Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada’s rise from movie stardom to the highest office in the Philippines is one of the most colorful and dramatic chapters in the country’s political history. Widely known for his populist appeal, down-to-earth demeanor, and rags-to-riches narrative, Estrada remains a fascinating and polarizing figure. His presidency, though short-lived due to impeachment and ouster, left an indelible mark on the Filipino political landscape.
From the silver screen to city hall, from the presidency to conviction and pardon, Estrada’s life has been anything but ordinary. His story is a blend of fame, power, controversy, and enduring popularity.
Early Life and Entry into Show Business
Joseph Estrada was born Jose Marcelo Ejercito on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila, to a relatively affluent family. Despite this, he often claimed a kinship with the masses, later shaping his public persona around the image of a poor man’s hero.
Estrada attended Ateneo de Manila University and Mapúa Institute of Technology but did not complete his education, eventually pursuing a career in show business. He adopted the screen name Joseph Estrada, later shortened to “Erap”—”Pare” (Filipino slang for friend or buddy) spelled backwards.
He became one of the biggest box-office draws in Philippine cinema from the 1960s to the 1980s, starring in over 100 films, often portraying tough, working-class characters who fought corruption and injustice—roles that resonated with ordinary Filipinos.
From Movie Star to Mayor: Political Rise
In 1969, Estrada took the unusual step for a film star and ran for public office. He was elected Mayor of San Juan, a position he held for nearly two decades until 1986. During his tenure, he gained a reputation for building infrastructure and supporting local welfare initiatives.
Though removed from office after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, he remained politically active. In 1987, he won a seat in the Senate, and in 1992, he was elected Vice President of the Philippines under President Fidel Ramos, even though they came from different political parties.
Estrada’s vice presidency was active: he chaired the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) and was often seen as a man of action. His populist image continued to grow, and many Filipinos saw him as a leader who understood their daily struggles.
The 1998 Presidential Election
In 1998, Estrada ran for president under the Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAMMP) coalition. He campaigned on the slogan “Erap Para sa Mahirap” (“Erap for the Poor”), promising to uplift the underprivileged and fight corruption.
He won a landslide victory, securing over 10 million votes—the biggest electoral mandate in Philippine history at the time. His win was a testament to his immense popularity, particularly among the poor, and the enduring power of celebrity in Philippine politics.
The Estrada Presidency (1998–2001)
Estrada’s presidency began with high hopes and widespread support. However, his term was quickly marred by economic challenges, internal conflict, and growing allegations of corruption.
Economic and Social Policies
Estrada inherited a recovering economy in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. He focused on reviving agriculture, a sector close to his heart, and launched programs like “Agrikulturang Makamasa” aimed at increasing food production and rural development.
He also pushed for housing and livelihood programs for the urban poor and worked to continue peace negotiations with insurgent groups.
However, progress was mixed. His administration struggled with a ballooning budget deficit, rising foreign debt, and issues of economic mismanagement. Critics cited a lack of coherent economic planning and a dependence on political allies with business interests.
Anti-Crime and Anti-Corruption Drive
Early in his term, Estrada promised to wage a war against criminal syndicates and corruption. He cracked down on jueteng (illegal numbers game) and drug lords, but ironically, his presidency would become engulfed in one of the biggest corruption scandals in Philippine history.
The Jueteng Scandal and Impeachment
In October 2000, Estrada’s close associate Luis “Chavit” Singson, then governor of Ilocos Sur, alleged that the president had received over ₱400 million in illegal gambling payoffs and tobacco excise tax kickbacks.
The allegations led to impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives and a highly publicized Senate trial. Public outrage intensified when senators allied with Estrada blocked the opening of a crucial envelope allegedly containing incriminating evidence.
This triggered the EDSA II People Power Revolution in January 2001, with hundreds of thousands of protesters, including key military and political figures, demanding Estrada’s resignation.
On January 20, 2001, Estrada was forced to step down, and Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as president. Estrada maintained that he never resigned and claimed he was illegally ousted.
Arrest, Trial, and Conviction
In April 2001, Estrada was arrested and charged with plunder and perjury—a first in Philippine history for a former president.
His trial lasted over six years. On September 12, 2007, the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court found Estrada guilty of plunder and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment). He was acquitted of perjury.
Just over a month later, in October 2007, President Arroyo granted him a presidential pardon, citing humanitarian grounds and national reconciliation. The pardon restored Estrada’s civil and political rights, including the right to run for office.
Political Comeback and Mayorship
Defying expectations, Estrada remained politically relevant. In 2010, he ran for president again and placed second behind Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, a remarkable showing for someone with a recent criminal conviction.
In 2013, he was elected Mayor of Manila, defeating incumbent Alfredo Lim. His administration focused on urban renewal, crime prevention, and restoring the city’s historical landmarks. He was reelected in 2016 but lost his bid for a third term in 2019 to Isko Moreno.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Estrada’s personal life has often attracted media attention. Married to former First Lady Dr. Loi Ejercito, he has several children, including Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who also faced legal troubles, and JV Ejercito, another senator.
Known for his wit and humorous malapropisms—often referred to as “Eraptions”—Estrada cultivated a relatable, everyman persona. His fondness for underdogs, love for local culture, and fluency in Filipino slang helped him maintain strong support among the masses.
Despite his fall from grace, Estrada’s popularity in poor communities remained strong, underlining the complex relationship many Filipinos have with populist leaders.
Legacy and Historical Assessment
Joseph Estrada’s legacy remains contested. To critics, he symbolizes the dangers of celebrity politics, weak institutions, and entrenched corruption. His ouster and conviction are cited as cautionary tales about the abuse of power and public trust.
To supporters, however, Estrada is remembered as a leader who cared for the poor, was unjustly removed, and remained loyal to the people even in disgrace.
Historians view his presidency as a turning point—a blend of old-style patronage and modern media politics. His rise underscored how charisma and populism can outweigh experience, while his fall revealed the fragility of democratic accountability in the face of elite power struggles.
Later Years and Influence
After his political defeat in 2019, Estrada largely retired from public life. He was hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2021 but recovered. Though no longer active in politics, his family continues to be involved at both national and local levels.
Estrada’s influence on Philippine politics is undeniable. He set the stage for future populist leaders and blurred the line between entertainment and governance. His life’s arc—from movie icon to president, to prisoner, and back to elected office—is a uniquely Filipino political saga.
Conclusion
Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s story is one of contradictions: a movie hero brought down by real-world villainy, a man of the masses undone by alleged betrayal of the very people he vowed to uplift. His presidency was both a product of his fame and a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of power.
For better or worse, Erap embodied the hopes, frustrations, and contradictions of the Filipino people. His legacy is a complex mix of populist passion, political drama, and enduring loyalty from the grassroots—a testament to the power of charisma and the deep yearning for representation in Philippine society.