Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada conceded Tuesday night to former Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso after losing the mayoral race.
“By June 30, my 50 years in politics and public service will come to an end with sterling colors of honesty and genuine concerns for the poor,” Estrada said.
Estrada also thanked his supporters in the last five decades of his political life.
“There’s always life after politics,” he said.
He also wished Moreno all the best in leading Manila and asked his supporters to rally behind the new city mayor.
“The people of Manila have spoken. The new leadership of the city will be coming in and I will prepare the smooth turnover of the city government,” he said.
Estrada said he would leave the city hall with P14-billion fund as a result of his good governance and prudent use of public resources.
“Dinatnan ko ang lungsod na bangkarote. Sa pagtatapos ng aking termino, iiwanan ko ang lungsod na may P14 bilyong pondo bunga ng masinop na pamamahala at maingat na paggasta sa perang pag-aari ng mga mamamayan,” Estrada said.
On Tuesday night, Domagoso was proclaimed as the new mayor of Manila, dethroning Estrada.
Domagoso garnered 357, 925 votes (56%) followed by Estrada with 210,605 votes (33%).
The former vice mayor also defeated Alfredo Lim of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan who got 138, 923 votes (22%). (Erma Edera)