Erap: ‘I’m not running for a higher post’

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada / Facebook photo

MANILA — Despite rumors of running for vice president  in the 2016 elections, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he is not running for a higher post anymore.

“I’m not running for a higher post. I will be retiring from politics after my first term as mayor ends in 2016. I would rather stay as mayor than run for a higher post,” Estrada told the Philippine Star.

Estrada also disproved rumors that he will be the one running for vice president in 2016, instead of his son Senator Jinggoy Estrada who is currently facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Estrada also added that when his term ends in 2016, he would turn over the mayoralty post to Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who — according to him — will be the one to continue the reforms he had started.

Estrada dismissed these allegations saying that it would be a “demotion” and that he never made any declaration to run.

“My vice mayor could continue what I have started, that is why I’m giving him more exposure as traffic czar,” Estrada added.

Asked about the recent disqualification case filed against him now pending in the Supreme Court (SC), Estrada said that he is not bothered.

Manila regional trial court, Sandiganbayan ,and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has earlier dismissed the disqualification cases.

With report from Jose Calpano