Erap eyes 3rd term as mayor, sees Isko, Lim, Villar as rivals

Joseph Estrada —EDWIN BACASMAS

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Thursday announced his intention to seek a third and final term in elections next year.

“Definitely, I will run again,” Estrada said in a statement.

The 80-year-old mayor and former president said he might be pitted against former Senator Manuel Villar, former Mayor Alfredo Lim and former Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

“The more the merrier, right?” Estrada said, adding he had “nothing to prove anymore” as he had beaten Lim and Villar in different elections.

Estrada defeated Lim in two consecutive mayoral contests. Villar, meanwhile, placed third in the 2010 presidential race where Estrada landed second after Benigno Aquino III.

“At this point, only my esteemed rival, Mayor Lim, has announced a plan to campaign for the mayor’s office. If Mayor Lim finally decides he will seek another term, I welcome his decision. I’m excited,” Estrada said. —AIE BALAGTAS SEE