Erap signs off on 50 years in politics

MANILA, Philippines — Former president and outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada officially ended his 50-year political career Wednesday night.

“This is Joseph Erap Ejercito-Estrada now signing off,” he said in a speech on a documentary presented during his farewell dinner for immediate family, relatives, friends, former Cabinet officials and employees at the Sofitel Hotel.

He said poor Filipinos have been his strength throughout his stints as a movie actor and politician.

“This evening is for all of you. For your continuous and unwavering support for me. For almost 50 years you were there. When I entered the movies, the poor people brought me to stardom. The poor were also the ones who supported me when I entered politics. I cannot forget what the poor has done to me. You have been the source of my strength,” he said.

Estrada admitted that he still could not believe that he will end his political career with a second term as Manila mayor, but added that he will remain devoted to the city and its people.

He said his six years as Manila mayor have been “colorful, full of challenges and success,” among them inheriting a bankrupt city government in 2013 and paying off its debt of P4.4 billion in less than two years.

Estrada said Manila is now financially stable and this was accomplished because he, city government heads and the city council took steps to ensure that Manila will no longer suffer from bankruptcy.

Estrada started in politics as mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986. He was later elected senator, vice president then president. He was ousted in 2001, convicted of plunder and pardoned by his successor.