Joseph Ejercito-Estrada Born on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila, Joseph Ejercito grew up in San Juan. He studied at the Ateneo de Manila University and the Mapua Institute of Technology. He became a movie actor in his early twenties, adopting the name Estrada, and has since established himself as a living legend in local filmdom. He is a five-time awardee for Best Actor and repeated the feat by winning the Best Picture for an equal number of times. He entered politics in 1967, was elected mayor of the Municipality of San Juan which he served for more than 16 continuous years, stepping down in the aftermath of the EDSA Revolution in 1986. He established in the movie industry the MOWELFUND which provides movie industry workers with financial and professional assistance. He was elected Senator in 1987 and was appointed Chairman of the three Committees (on Cultural Communities, Rural Development and Public Work As a senator, he was one of the twelve Senators that voted for the termination of the RP.US Military Bases Agreement leading to the American servicemen's withdrawal from the Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the Subic Naval Base in Zambales. Joseph Estrada was elected Vice-President of the Philippines in 1992, running against the President Ramos' candidate. However he opted to cooperate with the elected President's administration by serving as Chairman of the Presidential Anti Crime Commission (PACC). He resigned as PACC chairman in June 1997. He was elected President by a wide margin on May 1998 and assumed office in 30 June 1998. Being accused of plunder and corruption by a provincial governor, he was brought to trial. However the impeachment trial was about to collapse on technicalities when he was ousted when the army decided no to protect him from the mob surrounding the Presidential palace. He as always denied resigning, but was stripped of the presidency by the Supreme Court in March 2001. He has yet to be brought to court and is currently free on bail. Joseph Estrada is married to Dr. Luisa "Loi" Pimentel by whom he has three children. His eldest son is currently Mayor of San Juan. President Estrada has also officially recognised seven other children, born out of wedlock, to two other relations. | ||||
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