Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, the 13th President of the Philippines, celebrated his 75th Birth Anniversary on, April 19, 2012
Estrada, popularly known as “Erap,” (Filipino “pare” meaning friend) a name given by his close friend the late Fernando Poe Jr., served the country well in various elective posts for over four decades as President, Vice President, Senator, and Mayor.
His life may not have been funny at times, but Erap continues to be a source of enjoyment and inspiration for his friends.
Erap loves to poke fun at himself as seen by his favorite joke involving his “conversation” with his late mother, Doña Mary Ejercito. He said his mother confronted him over his tendency to discontinue things, referring to his unfinished college education, unfinished term as president and even his unfinished jail term.
To mark the occasion, his closest friends launched the book “Ito ang Pilipino: A tribute to Joseph Estrada” in time for the 75th birthday of the former president.
Estrada entered politics in 1967 when he was elected Mayor of San Juan, where he served for 17 years. In 1987, he was elected to the Senate. In 1992, he won as Vice President under the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos. Six years later, he was sworn in as President on June 30, 1998 at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
He was convicted of plunder in 2007 but was pardoned by his successor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
