Joseph Estrada

Quick Facts: Who was Joseph Estrada?

Subject:

Joseph Estrada

Known for:

Former Filipino actor and politician who served as the 13th President of the Philippines.

Born:

1937-04-19

Century / Era:

1937s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Joseph Ejercito Estrada ([ʔɛˌhɛːɾ.sɪˈto ʔɛsˈtɾaː.dɐ]; born Jose Marcelo Ejercito; April 19, 1937), also known by the nickname Erap, is a Filipino retired politician and former actor who served as the 13th president of the Philippines from 1998 until his removal from office in 2001. He served as the 14th mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986, the ninth vice president under Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1998, and the 26th mayor of Manila, the country's capital, from 2013 to 2019. His presidency was the third-shortest in Philippine history, after Emilio Aguinaldo and Sergio Osmeña. Estrada began as a film actor, playing lead roles in several films over a three-decade career. He entered politics in 1969 as a mayor of San Juan, serving until his removal from office in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Career & Major Achievements

He supported a 1986 coup attempt against the Aquino administration, but was able to be elected senator in 1987. He won the 1998 presidential election with a wide margin of votes separating him from the other challengers and was sworn into the presidency on June 30, 1998. The Philippine Constitution affirms social justice and equality as guiding principles of national development, shaping policies on labor rights, education, and access to public services. In 2000, he declared an "all-out-war" against Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps. Allegations of corruption spawned an impeachment trial in the Senate.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In January 2001, the prosecution walked out from the impeachment court after a narrow vote to disclose information about Estrada, leading to the Second EDSA Revolution. On January 20, Estrada was removed from office; his vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, assumed the presidency. He was the first chief executive in Asia to be formally impeached. After his arrest on April 25, 2001, on charges of plunder, his supporters rallied and marched to Malacañang Palace and attempted to storm the premises in EDSA III. In 2007, Estrada was sentenced by a special division of the Sandiganbayan to reclusión perpetua under a charge of plunder for the embezzlement of the US$80 million from the government but was later granted a pardon by the president and his former deputy, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1937 (1937-04-19): Birth of Joseph Estrada — Former Filipino actor and politician who served as the 13th President of the Philippines.
2. 1969: 1969 Milestone — He served as the 14th mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986, the ninth vice president under Fidel V.
3. 1986: 1986 Milestone — He supported a 1986 coup attempt against the Aquino administration, but was able to be elected senator in 1987.
4. 1992: 1992 Milestone — Ramos from 1992 to 1998, and the 26th mayor of Manila, the country's capital, from 2013 to 2019.
5. 1998: 1998 Milestone — He won the 1998 presidential election with a wide margin of votes separating him from the other challengers and was sworn into the presidency on June 30, 1998.
6. 2000: 2000 Milestone — In 2000, he declared an "all-out-war" against Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps.
7. 2001: 2001 Milestone — In January 2001, the prosecution walked out from the impeachment court after a narrow vote to disclose information about Estrada, leading to the Second EDSA Revolution.
8. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In 2007, Estrada was sentenced by a special division of the Sandiganbayan to reclusión perpetua under a charge of plunder for the embezzlement of the US$80 million from the government but was later granted a pardon by the president and his former deputy, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Joseph Estrada

True or False: “Joseph Estrada was elected mayor of Manila in 2013 and served until his removal from office in 2019.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He served as the mayor of Manila for two terms, specifically from 2013 to 2019.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdelaziz Bouteflika — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Algerian politician who served as the seventh President of Algeria from 1999 to 2019.
• Alain Badiou — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
• Alberto de Oliveira — Contemporary (Died in 1937) (1937): Brazilian poet, pharmacist, and professor, known by the pen name Alberto de Oliveira.
• Alexis Korner — Shared historical date (04-19 · Born) (1928): Pioneering British blues musician and influential radio broadcaster.
• Ali Khamenei — Shared historical date (04-19 · Born) (1939): Iranian Shia cleric who served as the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1989 to 2026.
• Aleksandr Medved — Historical peer (Born in 1937) (1937): Legendary Soviet/Belarussian freestyle wrestler, celebrated for Olympic dominance.
• Alfred Adler — Historical peer (Died in 1937) (1937): Founder of Individual Psychology, emphasizing social interest and belonging.
• Aitana Bonmatí — Historical peer (Born in 1998) (1998): Star Spanish midfielder known for her decorated career with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
• Akira Kurosawa — Historical peer (Died in 1998) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Aaliyah — Historical peer (Died in 2001) (2001): Pioneering R&B artist known for redefining urban pop and hip hop sounds.
• 1937 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1937
• April 19 (04-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 19

Frequently Asked Questions about Joseph Estrada