Joseph Estrada

Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada, widely known as Erap (born April 19, 1937) is a popular film actor in the Philippines and was the 13th President of the Philippines from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001.

Post-presidency

Estrada returned to his old home in San Juan. He maintained that he never resigned, implying that Arroyo's government was illegitimate, despite the international community's recognition of Arroyo's succession and that all government offices, the military and the national police acknowledged Arroyo as the new president.

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The new government charged him with plunder and had him arrested in April. Estrada's supporters, particularly among the poor, marched to the EDSA Shrine demanding Estrada's release and his reinstatement as president, attempting to replicate the success of the previous revolution. On the morning of May 1, the protesters marched straight to the presidential palace. Violence erupted and the government declared a state of rebellion. Many of Estrada's supporters were arrested, including politicians accused of provoking the violence. The government called out the military and was able to quell the rebellion.

Related Topics:
April - EDSA Shrine - May 1

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Estrada was initially detained in Veteran's Memorial Medical Center in Manila and then transferred to a military facility in Tanay, Rizal, but he was later transferred to a nearby vacation home, virtually in house arrest. He is still facing the charges of plunder and corruption. Under Filipino law, plunder has a maximum penalty of death, though it is unlikely that Estrada will be given that sentence.

Related Topics:
Manila - Tanay - Rizal

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The 2004 presidential election was widely seen as a test of legitimacy for the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Estrada supported his friend, Fernando Poe, Jr., who became Arroyo's main opponent. However, Poe lost to Arroyo in the close election.

Related Topics:
2004 presidential election - Fernando Poe, Jr.

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On April 2, 2005, the United Opposition movement named Estrada "Chairman Emeritus". The unexpected death of the Fernando Poe, Jr. after the election brought with it uncertainty as to the opposition's direction and leadership, yet with Estrada still facing charges and trial have left some to speculate how much of an influence or support this declaration will create in the formation of an opposition front to the current Presidency, and her Lakas-CMD party.

Related Topics:
April 2 - 2005

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