Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada was born on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila. His primary education was obtained at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University. He later took up an Engineering course at the Mapua Institute of Technology.

He entered politics in 1967, was elected and re-elected mayor of the Municipality (now City) of San Juan which he served with dedication and distinction for more than 16 continuous years. In 1972, he was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration by the Philippine Jaycees.

In 1987, he set his sights on a Senate run and handily garnered a seat. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Public Works. In 1989, the Free Press cited him as one of the Three Outstanding Senators of the Year. Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who won as Vice-President in 1992 under a mixed ticket, was also designated as Presidential Adviser on Crime Prevention and Law.

He reached the pinnacle of his political career when he was elected President of the Republic in the May 11, 1998 national elections. With almost 11-million Filipinos writing his name on the ballot, his margin of victory was the biggest ever registered in Philippine electoral history.

Estrada consistently referred to peace and order as the most crucial factor in making any program for development work, from jobs generation to the creation of a more hospitable and attractive business environment for both local and foreign investors.

Ending corruption, meanwhile, was the lynchpin which Estrada pointed out would make a remarkable dent on poverty alleviation programs as well as create a more robust economy, generate more jobs, and develop the agricultural sector.

He also pointed out that increased efficiency in tax collection would be the best way of keeping the budget deficit at manageable levels. The opposition standard bearer added that the energy sector would benefit immensely from increased investments in alternative renewable and �clean� sources such as hydroelectric and geothermal energy.