Erap to inmates: Don’t lose hope

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Saturday advised inmates of the Manila city jail not to lose hope.

“I was an ex-mayor, ex-senator, ex-vice president and ex-president. I was shot, I was stabbed and I was beaten up several times. But I didn’t lose hope and I didn’t surrender. Strive hard and remain hopeful while you are still alive, no matter how hard life is,” Estrada said as he distributed bags of media noche items to 5,845 male inmates and 1,300 female inmates.

He said committing mistakes is normal.

“Repent, say sorry, but do not lose hope. I experienced all the good things in life. I’ve been a popular movie actor, served as San Juan mayor, senator, vice president and president. But I was jailed and had been alone in prison. Even the women who voted for me disappeared. We have God up above,” Estrada said.

Jail warden Superintendent Randel Latoza thanked Estrada for releasing the P2,500 allowance of the jail’s 182 personnel.

On Friday, Estrada also played Santa Claus to 80 orphans  and 12,000 residents of three depressed areas in Tondo.

He distributed bags of goodies and school supplies at Damas Filipinas, an orphanage  founded by his late mother Doña Mary Ejercito.

The orphans joined Estrada during the gift-giving activity and performed songs and dance numbers for the mayor.

Estrada proceeded to Barangays 645, 20 and Smokey Mountain, where he gave out bags of goodies to residents.