Source: The Philippine Star
Manila mayor-elect Joseph Estrada is seen campaigning in this file photo.
MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada has been declared the new mayor of Manila on Tuesday morning, ending weeks of intense campaigning that included trading barbs with his rival former mayor Alfredo Lim.
This comes amid reports that the Manila Board of Canvassers is still waiting for 5 percent of the total votes to come in. Estrada leads in the latest tally by the Commission on Elections with 338,004 votes compared to Lim’s 304,595.
Estrada already released a statement expressing his gratitude to his future constituents.
“I thank the great people of Manila for putting a true son of Manila at the helm of the Philippine capital city,” Estrada said.
“Today, you have all shown that you want to see the rebirth of Manila as the Queen City of the Pacific, the Pearl of the Orient,” he added.
Estrada vowed to work to make Manila a better city.
“This is both a challenge and a full weight of responsibility hanging over all our shoulders, mine especially, and of the set of officials you have elected into office,” he said. “Dear Manileños, I will not fail you. I was born in Manila, and I will die working to bring back the glory and pride to Manila.
“I don’t want to give you false hope. The challenge to make Manila great again is not an easy task. The work and resources needed to do that is as stormy as the turbulent waters of historic Manila Bay. But tonight, you have voted to support me and to work with me, and that is the great start of a journey to make Manila deserving of its historic and political importance for the entire Philippine archipelago,” the former President added.
Meanwhile, Lim’s lawyer, Alicia Vidal, said Estrada’s proclamation is still premature as there are still votes that are unaccounted for.
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