Ex-Philippine president leading in race for Manila

Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada is leading in the vote-count for mayor of Manila in what could be his first elected post since he was ousted in a 2001 revolt on corruption charges.

In other partial results following Monday’s congressional and local polls, nine senatorial candidates backed by President Benigno Aquino III took an early lead against three candidates backed by an opposition coalition. About half the votes have been reported so far.

Elections Commission Chairman Sixto Brillantes said he expects turnout of 70 percent. More than 52 million voters registered to elect 18,000 officials, including half of the 24-member Senate, nearly 300 members of the House of Representatives and leaders of a Muslim autonomous region in the south, where Islamic insurgents and militants are a concern.