Presidency or reelection? Erap still undecided

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he will announce whether he will run for president or seek reelection before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy in October.

 “Nothing is final yet. The presidency is providential. Let’s hope for the best,” Estrada said in an interview after he delivered his State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday.

He said President Aquino’s assumption into office in 2010 was providential.

“During the 2010 elections… Mar Roxas was the supposed standard-bearer of the Liberal Party. But he gave way to Aquino,” Estrada said.

He said he has yet to decide whether to support Vice President Jejomar Binay or Sen. Grace Poe in the 2016 general elections.

In his SOCA, Estrada said he managed to lift the city government from bankruptcy.

“We were able to increase city revenues. Our tax collection in 2012 was P6.6 billion. It went up to P7.2 billion in 2013 and to P9.2 billion last year,” he said.

He said the previous administration left only P235 million in funds.

Estrada said Manila’s funds reached P5.05 billion as of June 30 this year.

He lauded Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and members of the city council for their help in fulfilling his dreams for Manila.

He said the peace and order situation in the city also improved under his watch.

The Manila Police District has intensified the campaign against crime, illegal drugs and loose firearms, Estrada said.