Estrada hosts party as he steps back from public service

Outgoing Mayor Joseph Estrada (Photo from his Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito-Estrada on Wednesday bid farewell to public service — at least, for the time being — after losing in the May mayoralty race in the national capital.

At his thanksgiving party at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay, he said that respected the decision of the residents of Manila after he lost to Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso by over 100,000 votes.

“As an outgoing mayor mayor of Manila, you have been the source of my strength and dedication. Kayo ang nagbigay sa akin ng lahat. I now bid you farewell for now and I take a step back from public service. The people have spoken and I respect them,” Estrada said.

However, Estrada admitted that he did not expect to end his reign as Manila mayor only on his second term.

“Said it truth, hindi ko po inakala na hanggang second term lang ako dahil in all the motorcades we had during the campaign, napakainit ng pagsalubong ng Manileno sa akin. Ang madaming yumayakap, ang dami-daming humahalik,” Estrada said.

Despite this loss, Estrada pledged that his “devotion to the city of Manila will remain.”

“Hindi man tayo pinalad, my devotion to the city of Manila will remain,” Estrada said. “I’ve done my best I only do what’s best for the greater good of the greater number.”

Moreno earlier paid a courtesy visit to Estrada at the Manila City Hall – the first time they met since the 2016 elections.

During their meeting, the two vowed to work for a smooth transition of power.

Moreno is set to take his oath as Manila’s chief executive on June 30.

READ: Estrada, Moreno working for smooth transition in Manila

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)