Joseph Estrada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Estrada
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Estrada in 2000
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| 13th President of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001 |
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| Vice President | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Fidel V. Ramos |
| Succeeded by | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |
| 9th Vice President of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998 |
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| President | Fidel V. Ramos |
| Preceded by | Salvador Laurel |
| Succeeded by | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |
| 22nd Mayor of Manila | |
| In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2019 |
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| Vice Mayor |
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| Preceded by | Alfredo Lim |
| Succeeded by | Isko Moreno |
| 18th Secretary of the Interior and Local Government | |
| In office June 30, 1998 – April 12, 1999 |
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| President | Himself |
| Preceded by | Sonny Collantes (OIC) |
| Succeeded by | Ronaldo Puno |
| Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission | |
| In office 1992–1997 |
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| President | Fidel V. Ramos |
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992 |
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| 14th Mayor of San Juan | |
| In office August 5, 1969 – March 26, 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Braulio Santo Domingo |
| Succeeded by | Reynaldo San Pascual |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jose Marcelo Ejercito
April 19, 1937 Tondo, Manila, Philippine Commonwealth |
| Political party | PMP (1991–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
UNA (2012–2015) UNO (2005–2010) LAMMP (1997–2001) NPC (1991–1997) Liberal (1988–1991) Nacionalista (1969–1988) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 11 (incl. Jose Jr., Joseph Victor, Jude and Juan Emilio) |
| Parent | Emilio Ejercito Sr. (Father) Maria Marcelo (Mother) |
| Relatives | Ejercito family |
| Residence | Santa Mesa, Manila |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation |
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| Profession | Businessman |
| Signature |  |
Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada (born Jose Marcelo Ejercito on April 19, 1937) is a famous Filipino politician and former actor. He served as the 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. Before that, he was the 9th Vice President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He also held important local government roles, serving as the 22nd Mayor of Manila from 2013 to 2019 and the 14th Mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986.
In 2001, he left the presidency after a series of political events known as the Second EDSA Revolution. He was the first leader in Asia to be removed from office in this way. At 87 years old, he is the oldest living former president of the Philippines.
Early Life and Education
Jose Marcelo Ejercito was born on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila, a busy part of Manila. His family later moved to San Juan, Metro Manila, which was a municipality in Rizal province at the time. He came from a well-off family and was the eighth of ten children. His parents were Emilio Ejercito Sr. and Maria Marcelo.
After finishing elementary school in 1951, he was expelled from high school for disciplinary reasons. He later tried studying Civil Engineering at Mapúa University and Central Colleges of the Philippines but did not finish his studies.
In his twenties, he started acting, often playing the role of a villain. He chose the stage name "Joseph Estrada" because his mother didn't approve of his acting career. He also got the nickname "Erap" from his friend, actor Fernando Poe Jr.. "Erap" is a playful way of saying "pare," which means 'buddy' in Tagalog.
Career in Film and Politics
Becoming a Film Actor
Joseph Estrada became very popular as an actor. He starred in over a hundred films during his three-decade-long acting career.
In 1974, Estrada started the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund). This foundation helps people who work in the film industry with things like medical expenses, hospital stays, and finding jobs. Its school, the Mowelfund Film Institute, has trained many talented filmmakers since 1979. He also helped create the first Metro Manila Film Festival in 1975.
Starting in Politics
Mayor of San Juan (1969–1986)
Estrada first ran for mayor of San Juan, Metro Manila in 1967 but didn't win. He succeeded in 1969 after winning a challenge against the previous mayor. As mayor, he brought many improvements to San Juan.
He helped build the first Municipal High School, the Agora complex, and a modern slaughterhouse. He also created a government center and paved most of the town's roads. He focused on improving elementary education by renovating schools and building new ones. He also built health centers and playgrounds. He was the first mayor to use computers for property tax assessments. When Corazon Aquino became president in 1986, many local officials, including Estrada, were replaced.
Senator of the Philippines (1987–1992)
In 1987, Estrada won a seat in the Senate of the Philippines. He became the Chairman of the Committee on Public Works. He also helped with committees on health, natural resources, and urban planning.
As a senator, Estrada supported projects for irrigation and protecting the carabao, which is an important animal for farmers. He and eleven other senators, sometimes called the "Magnificent 12," voted to end the agreement that allowed U.S. military bases in the Philippines in 1991. This led to the American soldiers leaving Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base.
Vice Presidency (1992–1998)
In 1992, Estrada first planned to run for president. However, he later decided to run for vice president instead, as the running mate of Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.. Even though Cojuangco lost the presidential race, Estrada won the vice-presidency with many votes.
As vice president, Estrada led President Ramos' Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC). He helped arrest criminal groups. He was often ranked as one of the best-performing government officials in surveys. In 1997, he stepped down from leading the PACC.
In the same year, Estrada joined former president Corazon Aquino and other leaders in a large rally against changes to the constitution. About half a million people gathered in Rizal Park to protest.
Presidency (1998–2001)
On June 30, 1998, Joseph Estrada became the 13th President of the Philippines. He took his oath in Malolos, Bulacan, a historic town. He promised to bring peace and fight corruption. His campaign slogan was "Erap Para sa Mahirap," which means "Erap for the Poor." He used a special name as his official address, combining his family name Ejercito with his screen name, becoming "Joseph Ejercito Estrada."
He took office during the Asian Financial Crisis, which affected the country's economy. However, the economy started to recover during his term. In 2000, he declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured their main camps.
In January 2001, there was a lot of political unrest in the country. The head of the Armed Forces, Angelo Reyes, decided to withdraw his support for Estrada and support Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instead.
End of Presidency
The next day, the Supreme Court declared the presidency vacant, stating that Estrada had left the office. Soon after, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was sworn in as the new president. The Supreme Court later confirmed that Estrada's departure was constitutional.
After the Presidency (2001–Present)
Legal Challenges and Pardon
After leaving the presidency, Estrada returned to his home. In April 2001, he faced legal challenges. His supporters gathered at the EDSA Shrine to protest and demand his return to office. These protests, sometimes called EDSA III, led to some clashes.
Estrada was held in detention for a period. In 2007, he was found responsible for certain actions during his term. However, in October 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo granted him a pardon. This meant he was released from detention and his civil and political rights were restored.
Activities After Release
After his release, Joseph Estrada thanked the Filipino people for their support. He said he wanted to continue helping people, especially the poor. He went on a "Lakbay Pasasalamat" (Thank you tour) across the country, giving out relief goods like food and medicine.
2010 Presidential Election
In 2009, Estrada announced that he would run for president again in the 2010 Philippine presidential election. His running mate was Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay. However, he lost the election to Senator Benigno Aquino III.
Mayor of Manila (2013–2019)
In May 2012, Estrada decided to run for Mayor of Manila in the 2013 elections. He won the election and became mayor on June 30, 2013. When he started his term, the city government had a lot of debt. During his first term, he worked to improve the city's finances and declared Manila debt-free by 2015. He also started programs to revive areas like Escolta Street.
He initially planned to serve only one term but decided to run for reelection in 2016. He won a close race against former Mayor Alfredo Lim. As mayor, Estrada focused on providing basic services to the people of Manila, from free hospital care for mothers to free books and snacks for public school students.
He also supported projects to reclaim land in Manila Bay. In 2018, he settled the city's unpaid tax debts from previous mayors. In the 2019 elections, Estrada ran for a third term but lost to former Manila vice mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. He stepped down from office on June 30, 2019.
Electoral History
- San Juan mayoralty elections
- Estrada won every mayoralty election in San Juan from 1969 to 1984.
- Senatorial election, 1987:
- Joseph Estrada (GAD) – 10,029,978 (14th place)
- Vice Presidential election, 1992:
- Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 6,739,738 (33.00%)
- Presidential election, 1998:
- Joseph Estrada (LAMMP) – 10,722,295 (39.86%)
- Presidential election, 2010:
- Benigno Aquino III (Liberal) – 15,208,678 (42.08%)
- Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 9,487,837 (26.25%)
- Manila Mayoralty Elections 2013
- Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 349,770
- Manila Mayoralty Elections 2016
- Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 283,149
- Manila Mayoralty Elections 2019
- Isko Domagoso Moreno (Asenso Manileño) – 357,925
- Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 210,605
Personal Life and Family
Estrada was the first Philippine president who had a career in the entertainment industry as a popular artist. He is known for his trademark mustache.
Marriage and Children
Estrada is married to Dr. Luisa "Loi" Pimentel, who later became a senator. They met when she worked at a mental health center. They have three children:
- Jinggoy Estrada, who also became a mayor and senator.
- Jackie Ejercito
- Jude Estrada
Other Relatives
Many of Estrada's relatives have also become well-known in politics and show business:
- Jorge Ejercito ("George Estregan"), his brother, was an actor.
- E.R. Ejercito ("George Estregan Jr."), his nephew, is an actor and politician.
- Gary Ejercito ("Gary Estrada"), his nephew, is an actor and politician.
- Gherome Ejercito, his nephew, is a basketball player.
Awards and Honors
National Honors
: Order of the Knights of Rizal – Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.- 1975 Best Actor for Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa
- 1962 FAMAS Best Actor for Markang Rehas
- 1964 FAMAS Best Actor for Geron Busabos
- 1965 FAMAS Best Actor for Ito ang Maynila
- 1966 FAMAS Best Actor for Sapang Palay
- 1969 FAMAS Best Actor for Galo Gimbal
- 1971 Outstanding Mayor and foremost Nationalist by the Inter-Provincial Information Service
- 1972 One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration by the Philippine Jaycees
- 1981 FAMAS Best Actor for Hoy, Tukso Layuan mo Ako
- 1981 FAMAS Hall of Fame
- 2007 Most Outstanding Citizen of San Juan
- 2014 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Government Service Award
Foreign Honors
Argentina:
Collar of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (September 20, 1999)
Honorary Doctorates
- Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of Pangasinan (1990)
- Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by Bicol University (April 1997)
Images for kids
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Estrada in 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Joseph Estrada para niños
