Erap’s birthday wish: One last term

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who is celebrating his 81st birthday today, wishes for another three-year term to continue the programs that he initiated to restore the city’s old glory.

“I also wish that God will allow me to live longer and give me more strength so that I can repay the trust given to me by our beloved Manilans,” Estrada said on Tuesday.

He said Manileños deserve a local government that serves.

Estrada said he wants to continue his programs, which aim to uplift the lives of the poor.

The mayor also called on his rivals to refrain from early politicking.

Estrada earlier said he would seek a third and last term in the 2019 midterm elections.

He dismissed rumors that his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, wanted to run for mayor of Manila.