MANILA, Philippines—Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Wednesday said the ruling of the Supreme Court to uphold the Commission on Election’s decision allowing him to run as Manila mayor is “a big vindication.”
Speaking in a televised press conference shortly after the high court’s decision was released, Estrada said he was thankful to the citizens of Manila for their continued trust on him despite being attacked by critics.
“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa mga Manileño na nagbigay ng tiwala sa akin sapagkat ito ay isang malaking bindikasyon din sa kung ano-ano ang mga sinasabi nila sa akin. This is a big vindication for me,” Estrada said.
Since his tenure has been confirmed by the high court, Estrada said he will double his efforts to provide better services for Manileños.
“I have to serve the people of Manila. Despite during the time that I was a candidate, mud has been thrown in my face, yet the citizens trusted me. I will double my efforts to serve them,” Estrada said.
Higher office in 2016?
During the same interview, Estrada hinted that he might run for a higher government office.
“Kapag hiningi tayo ng taumbayan (na tumakbo sa mas mataas na posisyon) eh wala tayong magagawa. As of now, I’ll devote all my time to the people of Manila. That’s why I was elected here,” the Manila mayor said, eliciting cheers from his supporters.
Estrada did not explicitly state what government office he might seek in 2016.
He has anointed his vice mayor, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, as his successor. Yet, if Domagoso decides to run for another post, Estrada said that he will seek reelection.
“If the vice mayor will run for another office, well, I might change my mind and run for reelection again. And that is coming from my heart,” he added.
In an 11-3 vote, the Supreme Court junked the consolidated petitions filed by former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and lawyer Alicia Vidal to disqualify Estrada during the 2013 local elections.
The high court upheld the Commission on Election’s earlier decision to allow Estrada’s candidacy, citing the “absolute” nature of the pardon given to Estrada by former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
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