Jinggoy tells JV: Finish projects

Outgoing San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada advised yesterday his successor, younger half-brother Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, to continue his unfinished infrastructure projects and other plans to uplift the living conditions of the poor.

Mayor Estrada was given by the Sandiganbayan until June 23 to clear his desk at the San Juan municipal hall. But claiming that five days was too short, Jinggoy is seeking an extension until June 30.

When pressed what advice he’ll give JV who will succeed him on July 1, Jinggoy said it would be to "concentrate on the programs, especially on the upgrading of the standard of living of the poor in San Juan."

The young Estrada and his father former President Joseph Estrada were jailed for plunder charges. Jinggoy was San Juan’s vice mayor for two terms and mayor for nine years.

During his three terms as mayor, Jinggoy said he was able to address the problems of drug addiction, improve health services for the underprivileged and provide the youth with proper education.

He noted, however, that his administration’s top accomplishment was the construction of the San Juan Medical Center, located at the back of the municipal hall on N. Domingo street. – Non Alquitran