Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said Wednesday he has done his part in serving the public for almost 50 years, and now wants to enjoy his retirement from public service.
The 82-year-old mayor made the statement during the 121st celebration of the country’s independence, as he graced the commemoration at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park with Vice President Leni Robredo.
Estrada will turn over his post to Manila Mayor-elect Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on June 30. The former actor turned politician served as the country’s 13th president from 1998 to 2001 but was ousted by an uprising due to alleged massive corruption in his administration.
He continues to deny allegations that he benefitted from the illegal numbers game called “jueteng” and engaged in other forms of corruption.
Estrada was pardoned by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and became mayor of Manila in 2013, beating former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim.
Estrada, who portrayed a tough guy in more than 100 movies, said he might also return to acting while enjoying his retirement from public service.
During the Independence Day event, the mayor asked his constituents to fully support his successor and move forward for the betterment not just of Manila but for the entire country.
“Let’s get together so that our country will move forward,” was Estrada’s message.