MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday that his reconciliation with his son, reelectionist Sen. JV Ejercito, is one of the best advance gifts he received for his 83rd birthday.
In a telephone interview with The STAR, Estrada said he loves all his children.
“As the saying goes, ang anak matitiis ang magulang pero ang magulang, kelan man hindi matitiis ang anak,” Estrada said.
Set up by a family friend, Estrada met with JV at a restaurant on Tuesday.
Estrada’s relationship with his son turned sour after JV left his father’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and transferred to the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Estrada, who is seeking his third term, is turning 83 years old on April 19.
He wants to have four Manila Bay reclamation projects push through, saying they are the city’s best hope to address the high incidence of poverty and unemployment.
Estrada said 500,000 persons “will get jobs from these four reclamation projects. Aside from creating more jobs, the four reclamation projects will more than double the city government’s income. Hulog yan ng langit (They are heavensent).”