Presidency of Joseph Estrada

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Presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada

13th President of the Philippines

In office
June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Vice President

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Preceded by

Fidel Ramos

Succeeded by

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Personal details

Born

April 19, 1937 (age 78)

Tondo, Philippines

Political party

PMP (1991)

Other political

Nacionalista (19691987)

affiliations

Liberal Party (19871991)

Spouse(s)

Loi Pimentel

Alma mater

Mapa Institute of Technology

Profession

Actor

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Signature

Website

Official website
Archived Office of the President

The Presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada in the Philippines spanned for 31 months from June
30, 1998 to January 20, 2001. Estrada reached the pinnacle of his political career when he was
elected President of the Republicin 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. Speaking before millions gathered at his inaugural address in Manila, the
newly elected chief executive said his presidency would serve the Filipino masses whose welfare
had long been neglected. A line from his speech, "Walang kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang
kamag-anak", was a stern warning against anyone who would attempt to undermine his
administration with influence-peddling. Determined to bring his pro-poor platform to every facet of
the government's operations, he immediately ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on
contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the
financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records will show that
until January 20, 2001, he did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee.
Committed to cleaning the bureaucracy of undesirable elements, he ordered the immediate relief
ofcorrupt officials in the military and police hierarchy. He ordered a wide-ranging investigation of all
government contracts entered into by the previous administration to ensure these were above-board
and directly advantageous to the citizenry. He ordered the investigation of suspected big-time tax
evaders even if some of these individuals had contributed to his presidential campaign. His pro-poor
program of government bore fruit in less than two years, with a significant improvement in the
country's peace and order situation. This likewise elicited a proportionate rise in the approval rating
of the Philippine National Police. The Estrada administration undertook an aggressive housing
program on a national basis, targeting low-cost homes for the poor. Agriculture received greater
priority, while the national government likewise took steps to bring down the cost of medicine.
Foreign investments grew exponentially, benefiting greatly from the unsullied and esteemed
reputation of the best and the brightest chosen to be part of his Cabinet, and even more from his
reputation as a strongly nationalistic yet progressive president.

The Senate impeachment trial, a constitutional process initiated to determine the truth behind the
allegations of corruption hurled by the false witness, ended abruptly in mid-January 2001 when
prosecutors staged a walk-out after senators voted against the opening of a document which had no
bearing whatsoever on the cases filed before the tribunal. With the second highest official of the land
and her husband working secretly with this group and courting the military sector's support, things
came to a head on 20 January 2001 with the leave of absence filed by Joseph Estrada and his
temporary departure from Malacaang. Following the Supreme Court's decision upholding the
legality of the Macapagal-Arroyo presidency, he was arrested at his San Juan home in the afternoon
of April 25, 2001 on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan for the crime of
plunder filed by his political enemies.
Contents
[hide]

1 Overview

2 Major issues of presidency

o

2.1 Estrada's speeches

2.2 Major acts as President

2.2.1 Major treaties

2.3 Major legislation signed

3 Administration and cabinet

3.1 Cabinet (19982001) [6]

3.2 Other cabinet-level and high posts

3.3 Supreme Court appointments

4 Pardons

5 Domestic policies
o

5.1 Economy

5.2 Masa format on radio

5.3 Saguisag Commission

5.4 Agrarian reform

5.5 Anti-crime Task Forces

5.6 Death penalty

5.7 Sovereign guarantees

5.8 Banknotes

5.9 Charter change

5.10 War against the MILF

5.10.1 Overview

5.10.2 Chronology

6 Foreign policies
o

6.1 RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement

6.2 Third informal ASEAN summit

7 Controversies
7.1 1998

7.1.1 Subic Bay leadership dispute

7.1.2 Textbook scam intervention

7.2 1999

7.2.1 The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout

7.2.2 The Manila Times controversy

7.2.3 BW Resources scandal

7.2.4 PCSO funding controversy

7.2.5 Midnight Cabinet

7.2.6 Estrada mistresses

7.2.7 Hot cars scandal

7.3 2000

7.3.1 Building laws violation

7.3.2 Juetenggate scandal

7.3.3 DacerCorbito double murder case

7.4 2001

7.4.1 Second envelope suppression

8 Impeachment trial
o

8.1 Corruption charges

8.2 Impeachment proceedings

9 EDSA II
o

9.1 Protests

9.2 Resignation

10 References

11 External links

Overview[edit]
Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town of Malolos in Bulacan province in
paying tribute to the cradle of the First Philippine Republic. That afternoon the new president
delivered his inaugural address at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. He assumed office amid
the Asian Financial Crisis and with agricultural problems due to poor weather conditions, thereby
slowing the economic growth to -0.6% in 1998 from a 5.2% in 1997.[1] The economy recovered by
3.4% in 1999 and 4% in 2000.[2] In 2000 he declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps.[3][4] However, allegations of
corruption spawned an impeachment trial in the Senate, and in 2001 Estrada was ousted from
power after the trial was aborted. The unmitigated corruption during his administration would cause
him to be charged and convicted for plunder.
In his Inaugural Address, Estrada said:

One hundred years after Kawit, fifty years after independence, twelve years a

Major issues of presidency[edit]

Estrada's speeches[edit]

Inaugural Address, (30 June 1998)

First State of the Nation Address, (27 July 1998)

Second State of the Nation Address, (26 July 1999)

Third State of the Nation Address, (24 July 2000)

Major acts as President[edit]

Major treaties[edit]

Second RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement

Major legislation signed[edit]

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensur
resources.

Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756) The measure grants a host of
their regional hubs in the country. It also provides a tax- and duty-free operating environment for them, and multiple entry vi
a flat income tax rate of 15%.

Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762) The bill dismantles 40 years of state protectionism over the co
sector to big foreign players. With the retail trade liberalization, well-known foreign players like France's Carrefour and Casi
JC Penney are already in the process of negotiating with local partners.

New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791) The measure opens up the local banking industry to foreign player
reserved and protected for Filipino nationals. With the industry's liberalization, at least 10 foreign banks have already establi

Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) Outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for
driven New Economy.

New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799) This law liberalizes the securities market by shifting policy from merit re
strengthened provisions against fraud, the measure is expected to pave the way for the full development of the Philippine equ

OFFICE

NAME

TERM

President
Vice-President

Joseph Ejercito Estrada

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Executive Secretary

Ronaldo Zamora

Secretary of Budget and Management

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports
Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Environment and Natural
Resources

Benjamin Diokno
Andrew Gonzalez
Mario Tiaoqui

July 1, 1998 December 31,

2000
January 11, 2001 January 20,
2001
July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001
July 1, 1998 May 24, 1999
May 25, 1999 January 11, 2001
January 11, 2001 January 20,
2001
July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001
July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001
July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Antonio Cerilles

July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Finance

Edgardo Espiritu

Edgardo Angara
Secretary of Agrarian Reform
Secretary of Agriculture

Horacio Morales, Jr.

William Dar
Edgardo Angara
Domingo Panganiban

Jose Pardo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Domingo Siazon, Jr.

Secretary of Health

Felipe Estrella, Jr.

Alberto Romualdez, Jr.

Secretary of the Interior

and Local Government

Joseph Ejercito Estrada

(in concurrent capacity as
President)
Ronaldo Puno
Alfredo Lim

Secretary of Justice

Serafin Cuevas
Artemio Tuquero

Secretary of Labor and Employment

Secretary of National Defense
Secretary of Public Works and Highways
Secretary of Science and Technology

Bienvenido Laguesma
Orlando Mercado
Gregorio Vigilar
William Padolina
Filemino Uriarte

Secretary of Social Welfare and

Development

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Dulce Sasuinsag

Secretary of Tourism
Secretary of Trade and Industry
Secretary of Transportation and
Communications
Presidential Spokesperson
Press Secretary

Malacaang Chief of Staff

July 1, 1998 April 12, 1999

Other cabine
Cabinet level:

Executive S

Ronald

Edgard

Press Secret

Rodolfo

Ricardo

Presidential

Fernand

Presidential

April 12, 1999 January 7, 2000

Aprodic
January 8, 2000 January 19,
2001
Head of the
June 30, 1998 February 11,
2000
Leonor
February 11, 2000 January 20,
2001
June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001
Macel F
June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001
June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001 Metropolita
June 30, 1998 January 29, 1999
February 1, 1999 January 1,
Jejomar
2001
Others:
July 1, 1998 October 3, 2000
Flagship Pro
October 4, 2000 January 20,

Gemma Cruz-Araneta
Jose Pardo
Manuel Roxas II
Vicente Rivera, Jr.

July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Fernardo Barican
Rodolfo Reyes

June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

June 30, 1998 April 12, 2000
April 13, 2000 January 20,
2001
February 2000 March 22,
2000 [7]

Aprodicio Laquian

Cabinet (199

July 1, 1998 December 31,

1999
January 2, 2000 January 20,
2001
June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001
June 30, 1998 September 13,
1998

September 14, 1998 January

20, 2001

2001
July 1, 1998 January 19, 2001
July 1, 1998 1999
1999 January 20, 2001

Ricardo Puno

Administr

Robert

Director Ge

Gen. Ro

Gen. Edmundo L. Larozza, Officer-in-Charge (1999)

Gen. Panfilo Lacson (19992001)

President

Joseph Ejercito Estrada, President (19982001)

Vice-President

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice-President (19982001)

Some of the Members of the Estrada Administration

Ronaldo Zamora, Executive Secretary (19982001)

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development (19982000)

Orly Mercado, Secretary of National Defense (19982001)

Benjamin Diokno, Secretary of Budget and Management (19982001)

Mar Roxas, Secretary of Trade and Industry (2000)

Alfredo Lim, Secretary of Interior and Local Government (19992001)

Edgardo Angara, Secretary of Agriculture (19992001) and Executive Secretary (2001

Leonor Briones, National Treasurer (19982001)

Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (1998200

Rafael Buenaventura, Governor of the Central Bank (19992001)

Jejomar Binay, Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (1998200

Ramon Mitra, Jr., Chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company (19982000)

Panfilo Lacson, Director-General of the Philippine National Police (19992001)

Angelo Reyes, Armed Forces Chief of Staff (20002001)

Supreme Court appointments[edit]

Estrada nominated the following to the Supreme Court of the Philippines:

Hilario Davide, Jr. Chief Justice, 1998 (an associate justice since 1991)

Bernardo P. Pardo 1998

Arturo B. Buena 1999

Minerva P. Gonzaga-Reyes 1999

Sabino R. De Leon, Jr. 1999

Pardons[edit]
President Joseph Ejercito Estrada granted pardon to the following:

Rodolfo Dominguez Quizon, Jr. (1998) convicted of arson.[8]

Domestic policies[edit]
Economy[edit]

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada (7th person from right) during the APECsummit in 2000.

In 1998, Joseph Estrada was elected president. Even with its strong economic team, the Estrada administration failed to capitalize
His administration was severely criticized forcronyism, incompetence, and corruption, causing it to lose the confidence of foreign
further damaged when, in his second year, Estrada was accused of exerting influence in an investigation of a friend's involvemen
brought about by numerous bombing threats, actual bombings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities contributed to the econo
also hurt by climatic disturbance that caused extremes of dry and wet weather.[9]Toward the end of Estrada's administration, the fi
billion from a low of P49 billion in 1998.[10] Despite such setbacks, the rate of GNP in 1999 increased to 3.6 percent from 0.1 perc

growth rate, up from a low of 0.5 percent in 1998. Debt reached P2.1 trillion in 1999. Domestic debt amounted to P986.7 billion
[11]

Masa format on radio[edit]

During his term, Estrada ordered to the National Telecommunications Commission by the adoption of Filipino language-based ra
icon Masa (or Masses), all radio stations adopted the masa format effective since 1998, as DJ's wanted to replace English langua
songs and requests. After his term in 2001, several FM stations adopted the masa format nationwide until this day.

Saguisag Commission[edit]

With the purpose of investigating the alleged anomalies of the Ramos administration, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada created th
Senator Rene Saguisag.[12] Ramos, however, refused to appear before the commission for he argued that the jurisdiction lies in the

In the so-called Centennial Expo scam, Mr. Ramos claimed the Senate committee that conducted the probe "never closed the case
Instead, he rued, former President Estrada created an administrative fact-finding commission headed by former Senator Rene Sag
during his administration who were implicated in the Centennial Expo scam were subsequently "exonerated" by the Ombudsman
Salvador Laurel, who chaired the Centennial Expo and was among the principal accused in this case, however, died before he cou

In the Smokey Mountain case, he said, he appeared in 2000 before the public hearing of the House committee on good governme
cleared the project as valid and legal. Subsequently, he said, the Supreme Court ruled 13-0, with 2 abstentions, in favor of the pro
constitutionality of the project and dismissed the petition filed against it by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.[12]

In the questioned Masinloc power project, he said, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee looked into the privilege speech
alleged influence that this power plant be sold to a consortium connected with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muham

Agrarian reform[edit]

The Estrada administration widened the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to the landless peasa
administration distributed more than 266,000 hectares of land to 175,000 landless farmers, including land owned by the tradition
305,000 farmers during his 2nd year as President).[14] On September 1999, he issued Executive Order (EO) 151, also known as Fa
consolidation of small farm operation into medium and large scale integrated enterprise that can access long-term capital. Preside
Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make F
allocated to agricultural programs.[16] One of which is the "Agrikulturang Maka Masa", through which it achieved an output grow
[11]
thereby lowering the inflation rate from 11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same yea

Anti-crime Task Forces[edit]

In 1998, by virtue of Executive Order No.8, President Estrada created the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCT
totally eradicating, car theft and worsening[17] kidnapping cases in the country.[17] With the help of this task force, the Philippine N
achieved a record-high trust rating of +53 percent.[11] Panfilo Lacson was its first head. He also created the Philippine Center on T
objective of formulating and implementing a concerted of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agenc
transnational crime.[18]

However in November 2000, during the Juetenggate scandal of President Estrada, high officials of the PAOCTF Cesar Mancao
PAOCTF chief Panfilo Lacson - were implicated in the murder of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito at t
accused to be behind a black propaganda against President Estrada [17] a charge Dacer denied.[17]

Death penalty[edit]

Estrada administering the oath to Florentino Floro.

The death penalty law in the Philippines was reinforced during the incumbency of Estrada's predecessor, Fidel Ramos. This law p
the gas chamber (method chosen by government to replace electrocution) could be installed. However, the electric chair was dest
leaving only a blackened scorch mark. Some sources have said it had burnt out the last time it had been used.

However, the first execution by injection took place under Estrada's administration. On February 5, 1999, Leo Echegaray, a hous
his stepdaughter. He was the first convict to be executed since the re-imposition of death penalty in 1995. [19]

His execution sparked once again a heated debate between the anti and the pro-death penalty forces in the Philippines with a hug
of Echegaray. That there was a strong clamor for the imposition of the death penalty should be viewed from the point of view of
stop criminality.

The Estrada administration peddled the death penalty as the antidote to crime. The reasoning was that if the criminals will be afra
the government is determined to execute them.[19] The opposition maintained that the death penalty is not a deterrent and that ther
deterrence theory. Legislators and politicians refused to heed the recommendation of the Supreme Court for Congress to review t
pro-death penalty sentiment.

Six years after its re imposition, more than 1,200 individuals have been sentenced to death and seven convicts have been execute
no signs that criminality has gone down.

From February 6, 1999, a day after Leo Echegaray was executed, to May 31, 1999 two leading newspapers reported a total of 16
penalty. But perhaps the best indicator that this law is not a deterrent to criminality is the ever-increasing number of death convic

From 1994 to 1995 the number of persons on death row increased from 12 to 104. From 1995 to 1996 it increased to 182. In 199
1998 the inmates in death row was at 781. As of November 1999 there are a total of 956 death convicts at the National Bilibid Pr
for Women.

As of December 31, 1999, based on the statistics compiled by the Episcopal Commission on Prisoner Welfare of the Catholic Bis
a total of 936 convicts interned at the National Bilibid Prisons and another 23 detained at the Correctional Institute for Women. O
are foreigners.

Because the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, Estrada called a moratorium in 2000 to honor the bimillenial anniversary of J
later.[19]

Sovereign guarantees[edit]

President Estrada immediately ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on contracts for public projects which would requ
financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records will show that until January 20, 2001, he did
sovereign guarantee.[20]

Banknotes[edit]
During the Estrada Administration, the practice in use since the Commonwealth, of reproducing the signature of the President of
the Philippines" was abandoned in favor of explicitly stating the president's name.

Charter change[edit]
Main article: Philippines charter change

Under President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, there was a similar attempt to change the 1987 constitution. The process is termed as CO
Development. Unlike Charter change under Ramos and Arroyo the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would only
of the constitution that is considered as impeding the entry of more foreign investments in the Philippines.

There were once again objections from opposition politicians, religious sects and left wing organizations based on diverse argum
proposed constitutional changes would be self-serving. Like his predecessor, Estrada's government was accused of pushing Chart

War against the MILF[edit]

Overview[edit]

A MILF soldier trains with an M60 machine gun.

During the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and the Mo
1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration. [4] However the Moro Islamic Libe
in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks wit
continued.[4] Such of those attack are 277 violations committed, kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti, the
municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix b
Narciso Ramos Highway. By doing so, they inflicted severe damage on the country's image abroad, and scared much-needed inve
Philippine government learned that the MILF has links with Al-Qaeda.[21] Because of this, on March 21, 2000, President Joseph E
against the MILF. During the war the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked Estrada to have a cease-fire
arguing that a cease-fire would cause more terrorist attacks. For the next three months of the war, Camp Abubakar, headquarters
camps and 43 minor camps, and then all of which became under controlled by the government. The MILF leader Hashim Salama
MILF later declared a Jihad on the government. On July 10 of the same year, the President went to Minadanao and raised the Phi
the President said, "... will speed up government efforts to bring genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao". In the
military to arrest top MILF leaders.[22]
In his state of the nation address, the President highlighted his vision for Mindanao:

The first is to restore and maintain peace in Mindanaobecause without peace, there can be no development.

The second is to develop Mindanaobecause without development, there can be no peace.

The third is to continue seeking peace talks with the MILF within the framework of the Constitutionbecause a peace a
peace enforced by force of arms.

And the fourth is to continue with the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Na
that is our commitment to our countrymen and to the international community.

In addition to this the president said his administration can move with more speed in transforming Mindanao into a progressive e
was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to report to. On October 5, 2000 the first mass
the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Sarip and seven other battalion commanders, surrender
4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Bgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. They were followed shortly by a second b
Commander Sayben Ampaso on Dec. 29, 2000.[23]

However, the war with the MILF was severely criticized by foreign and media observers. In fact Agriculture Secretary Edgardo A
specifically the diversion of resources from military operations that eat away from the agriculture modernization program. Angar
asks, he gets". Moreover the fighting in Mindanao even destroyed more than P135 million worth of crops and 12,000 hectares of
Chronology[edit]

On March 15, a combat patrol of the Phil. Army's 26th Infantry Battalion stumbled upon MILF guerrillas in Bgy. Inudaran, Lana
following day, 700 rebels of the MILF 303rd Brigade led by Abdullah Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, swooped down on nin
Kauswagan and Maigo towns.
On March 17, the rebels occupied the Kauwagan town hall, taking more than 400 residents hostage.

The Phil. Army's 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division under the command of Brig. Gen. Roy Cimatu (now Phil. Ambassador to the M
counterattack.

Cimatu mobilized Task Force Inudaran from the Army 402nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Marine Brigade under Brig. Gen. Emm
on March 18. The task force also cleared the Iligan-Dipolog highway where rebels had set up several roadblocks, and set up cove
while far-flung detachments were forced to hold their own against the enemy attacks.

On March 21, 2000, then Philippine President Joseph Ejercito Estrada personally visited Kauswagan and declared an "all-out wa
carry out the offensive against the MILF in the Lanao area.

From March 16 to June 12, 2000, the 4th Division captured 15 major MILF camps, 49 satellite camps, a training base and contro
wounded. MILF casualties totaled 589 killed and 916 wounded.

Cimatu outlined five major operations against the enemy. The first of these was Oplan SOVEREIGN which called for Task Force
attack camps and staging areas of the MILF 303rd Brigade near the highway.
"I did not want the MILF to have time to regroup themselves", Cimatu said. "Time was very essential."

Marines overran the MILF camp in Bgy. Inudaran on March 19 and Camp John Mack, headquarters of the MILF 303rd Brigade a

The following day, Task Force Diamond III captured Camp Bilal, the largest MILF camp in Lanao del Norte, located in the muni

Meantime, the Army's 402nd Brigade under Col. Samuel Bagasin successfully cleared Bgy. Pacalundo after a day of fierce fighti
center in the outskirts of Baloi, finally fell to Task Force Diamond III after a month of heavy air and artillery attack on April 26.

Following the success of Oplan SOVEREIGN, Cimatu next moved on to Operation FREEWAY designed to clear the Narciso Ra
Brigade moved on to Pualas, Lanao del Sur while Task Force Diamond moved up to Marawi city. In a classic pincer movement, T
hilly portions of the highway, the 1st Marine Brigade the immediate vicinity of the highway while the 6th Infantry Division move
town.

As the northern end of the pincer closed in, the Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Allan Cabalquinto arrived on May 10 t
Diamond. On May 15, the Narciso Ramos highway was finally cleared of MILF rebels, in spite of stiff resistance encountered by
bunkers and trenches along the highway.

Next on the schedule was Operation SUPREME, aimed at capturing Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, the second largest cam
the home of the Lanao Area Command headquarters under MILF Vice Chair Aleem Abdul Azziz Mimbantas and headquarters of
Field Division.

Task Force Diamond initially made a feint against MILF camps in Marogong, then moved right abreast of the 1st Marine Brigade
The 302nd Infantry Brigade and the newly arrived 802nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Nagamora Lomodag followed the two attac
finally fell to the combined air-artillery and infantry attacks of the four brigades.

This set the stage for Operation SWEEPER, aimed at reducing the MILF sphere of influence in Lanao del Sur, particularly in the
Lanao.

While the 1st Marine Brigade secured Camp Bushra and re-established government control in Butig, Cimatu ordered Task Force
clear the municipality of Masiu and eastern side of Lake Lanao. This phase of the operation successfully defeated the rebels capa
conventional warfare in Northern and Central Mindanao.

Up next was Operation SUMMIT, which aimed to destroy all MILF camps north and west of Camp Abubakar. The 1st Marine Br
the attack on Camp Abubakar from the north while the 6th Infantry Division attacked from the south and west, with Task Force D

On July 12, 2000, the late MILF chairman Salamat Hashim called for a jihad against all government forces and installation but fe
rebels forces broke up into smaller, disorganized units, MILF guerrillas went on a rampage against helpless civilians, killing 21 f
Sur on July 16, 2001 and another 13 workers of the Maranao Plantation, Inc. in Matling, less than a week later.

With the fall of Camp Abubakar, the conventional warfare against the MILF came to an end and the process of reconstructing and

High on the list of priorities was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to report to. On O
669 MILF mujahideen led by the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Sarip and seven other ba
President Joseph Ejercito Estrada at the 4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Bgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro city.

They were followed shortly by a second batch of 855 surrenderees led by MILF Commander Sayben Ampaso on Dec. 29, 2000.

The latest and biggest batch of surrenderees formally surrendered to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Tamparan, Lanao del
from the start of the Mindanao war last March 15, 2000 in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

The 931 surrenderees were led by Macabagol Paudak, brigade commander of the MILF Striking Force, 308th MILF Brigade, wh
firearms, plus 20 RPGs, three .50-cal. machineguns, three 60mm mortars and two pump boats.

Foreign policies[edit]

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada with U.S. President Bill Clinton at theoval office.

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada with Russian PresidentVladimir Putin.

The Estrada administration upheld the foreign policy thrusts of the Ramos administration, focusing on national security, economi
image-building. The Philippines continued to be at the forefront of the regional and multilateral arena. It successfully hosted the A
undertook confidence-building measures with China over South China Sea issue through a meeting in March 1999.[25] President E
neighboring countries with visits to Vietnam, Thailand,Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.[26]

The country also sent a delegation of 108 observers to the Indonesian parliamentary elections, and engaged in cooperative activit
transnational crimes, economy, culture, and the protection of OFWs and Filipinos abroad.

RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement[edit]

Main article: RPUS Visiting Forces Agreement

On 1999 a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, which was ratified in the Senate. [27] The first Visiting Forces Agreem
Ramos in 1998, and the second was subsequently signed under President Estrada. The two agreements came to effect a year later
require the U.S. government (1) to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any R

requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special in
of State or Defense. [28][VIII 1] (Waiving of jurisdiction in the U.S. is complicated by United States being a confederation of states in
system, and the U.S. Federal Government not being in a position to simply order a State to waive jurisdiction).

The Agreement contains various procedural safeguards which amongst other things establish the right to due process and proscrib
among other provisions, exempts RP personnel from visa formalities and guarantees expedited entry and exit processing [28][IV]; req
[V]
; allows RP personnel to carry arms at U.S. military installations while on duty[28][VI]; provides personal tax exemptions and impo
XI]
; requires the U.S. to provide health care to RP personnel[28][XIV]; and exempts RP vehicles, vessels, and aircraft from landing or p
road tolls or any other charges for the use of U.S. military installations[28][XV].

Third informal ASEAN summit[edit]

President Estrada hosted the third Informal ASEAN summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from Nove
with the leaders of the nine Asean member-countries and three dialogue partners of the regional grouping, namely China, Japan a
member-countries are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos
Asean country to host the Asean Informal Summit. The first informal summit was held in Jakarta on Nov. 30, 1996 while the seco
1516, 1997. Myanmar, which joined the Asean only in 1997, was supposed to host the Third Informal Summit but it begged of.
Philippines was next in line to host the informal summit. [29]

The leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their three dialogue partners concluded thei
vowing to further broaden East Asia cooperation in the 21st century to improve the quality of life of peoples in the region. [29]

A joint statement issued after the 3rd Asean Informal Summit and separate top-level meetings with the leaders of China, Japan an
states and governments of Asean and its dialogue partners to work toward the attainment of peace and stability in Asia and the Pa

According to the joint statement, the leaders also voiced "satisfaction with the rapidly developing relations" among their countrie
East Asia cooperation.

The Asean countries that participated in the summit were Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, t
Vietnam.

Noting the bright prospects for enhanced interaction and closer linkages in East Asia, the leaders said the growing interaction has
and collaboration among their countries.[29]

Closer linkages in this part of Asia, they pointed out, have strengthened the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the reg

"Mindful of the challenges and opportunities in the new millennium, as well as the growing regional interdependence in the age o
to promote dialogue and to deepen and consolidate collective efforts with a view to advancing mutual understanding, trust, good
stability and prosperity in East Asia and the world", the joint statement said. [29]
They likewise underlined their commitment to conduct their mutual relations under the principles of the United Nations Charter,
the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the universally recognized principles of international law.[29]

The leaders further underscored their commitment to build on existing cooperative processes in the economic, social and politica

On economic cooperation, the leaders of the Asean countries, China, Japan and South Korea agreed to accelerate trade, investme
information technology and promotion of industrial and agricultural cooperation, and the encourage development of growth areas
Basin.[29]

On monetary and financial cooperation, they agreed to strengthen policy on financial, monetary and fiscal issues, including the co
banking system.

In the political-security area, they agreed to continue dialogue, coordination, and cooperation to increase mutual understanding an
stability in East Asia.[29]
The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing common concerns in the area of transnational issues in the region. [29]
In other fields, the leaders also agreed:[29]

to intensify coordination and cooperation in various international and regional forums, including the United Nations, Wo
Economic Cooperation, as well as in regional and international financial institutions.

to strengthen regional cooperation in projecting an Asian point of view to the rest of the world and in intensifying people

to strengthen social and human resources to sustain growth in East Asia by alleviating economic and social disparities w

to support Asean efforts in the implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action towards advancing economic and sustainable

Controversies[edit]
1998[edit]
Subic Bay leadership dispute[edit]

After winning the 1998 presidential elections on May of that year, newly elected President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Admin
removal Richard Gordon as Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA.[30] Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo,
new chairman. Gordon refused to step down, stating that his re-appointment from the Ramos administration gave him civil servic
easy. Hundreds of volunteers and paid people barricated the gates of SBMA and Gordon locked himself inside the SBMA Admin
was dubbed a dictator because of the fact that he rebelled against an executive order. The issue sparked the interest local and fore

Gordon filed for a temporary restraining order before the local court. The local court of Olongapo granted Gordon's request but P
of Appeals (CA). The CA reversed the local court's ruling and it was affirmed by the Supreme Court. [31] With the Supreme Court d
over the reins of SBMA at the Subic Bay Yacht Club two months later on 3 September 1998. Together with the Subic volunteers,
Textbook scam intervention[edit]

In 1998, Estrada allegedly appointed a cousin, Cecilia de Castro, as presidential assistant. The President denied knowing her in th
President later intervened in the investigation of the said scam. Another is the appointment of brother-in-law, Captain Rufino F. P
in-law, Raul de Guzman, was appointed member of the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines. De Guzman's son w
on environment and water.[32]

1999[edit]
The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout[edit]

Estrada criticized the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the nation's most popular broadsheet newspaper[citation needed], for "bias, malice and fa
government organizations, pro-Estrada businesses, and movie producers simultaneously pulled their advertisements in theInquire
implicated in the advertising boycott, prompting sharp criticism from international press freedomwatchdogs.[34][35]
The Manila Times controversy[edit]

Estrada launched a libel suit against the country's oldest newspaper the Manila Times over a story that alleged corruption in the a
personal apology from an owner was published, the libel suit was dropped.[34][35] Within three months the Manila Times was sold to
newspaper experience"[34] and was quickly shut down.[36]
BW Resources scandal[edit]

BW Resources a small gaming company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and linked to people close to Estrada experienc
suspected stock price manipulation.[37] The ensuing investigation led only to further confusion when the head of the compliance a
Exchange (PSE) and his entire staff resigned [38][39] saying "I believe I can no longer effectively do my job."[38] The events created a
undermined foreign investor confidence in the stock market"[39] and "also contributed to a major loss of confidence in the Philippi
concerns that cronyism may have played a part."[38]
PCSO funding controversy[edit]

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism has reported that there are 66 corporate records wherein President Estrada, his
incorporators or board members. Thirty-one of these companies were set up during Estrada's vice-presidential tenure and one wh
1998 and 1999 financial statements, 14 of the 66 companies have assets of over P600 million.

The First Lady, Mrs. Loi Ejercito, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 15 October 1998 her private foun

Foundation, Inc. which provides relief and livelihood to the poor. A few months after its incorporation, the foundation received P
Sweepstakes Office as donation. The donation far exceeded the PCSO's combined donation of P65 million to regular beneficiarie
complainants consider this a conflict-of-interest. The donation of government funds to the private foundation of the First Lady w
legal residence in San Juan.[32]
Midnight Cabinet[edit]

Estrada was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters a
some of his cabinet members during meetings.[40] Members of the so-called midnight cabinet were:[41]

Luis 'Chavit' Singson Governor of Ilocos Sur

Luis 'Baby' Asistio Representative of Caloocan City

Dante Tan Head of the BW Resources Corp.

Ramon Lee A close associate of Dante Tan and an Estrada election contributor

Lucio Co The goateed owner of PureGold duty-free stores, who was recently accused of being a big-time smuggler

Jaime Dichavez A fiberglass manufacturer and real estate developer who was recently involved in the corporate coup a
controversial jai-alai games

William Gatchalian Presidential adviser on overseas Filipinos

Eusebio Tanco Acquired the Tiwi-Makiling-Banahaw geothermal power plant from the National Power Corporation. T
country's biggest coconut millers, Douglas Lu Ym
Jacinto "Jack" Ng Multimillionaire, owner of Republic Biscuit Corp. or Rebisco and of some hefty real estate

Mark Jimenez a shadowy businessman wanted for illegal campaign contributions in the U.S. Jimenez is reportedly a m
"good time" associate of Estrada

Estrada mistresses[edit]

During President Estrada's two-and-a-half year in office, the media exposed that he had many affairs with other women. [42] During
claimed that Estrada's mistresses received financial benefits from the President. The following are Estrada's mistresses: [43]

Guia Gomez

Laarni Enriquez

Joy Melendez

Rowena Lopez

Peachy Osorio

Hot cars scandal[edit]

Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo II (Valenzuela) exposes the assignment of Pres. Estrada of some seized luxury vehicles and SUVs t

allies through an obscure office "Presidential Retrieval Task Force."[44] Initially Pres. Estrada resist his critics of the call to return
challenged them to file a case against him.[45] But, by November, the President backs down from his earlier decision and instructs
an auction.[46]

2000[edit]
Building laws violation[edit]
President Estrada and his family reportedly violated many construction and building laws in their real estate firms. [32]
Juetenggate scandal[edit]

Singson is known to have Estrada's fall, when in October 2000 he alleged he gave President Joseph Estrada Php 400 million as p
October 16, 2000, he accused the Estrada, as the "lord of all jueteng lords" for receiving 5 million pesos protection money from j
presidency.
DacerCorbito double murder case[edit]

Salvador "Bubby" Dacer, publicist in the Philippines, and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were abducted in Makati, the business d
their vehicle dumped. In 2001, a number of arrests were made.

The ultimate reasons for Dacer's murder remain a subject of debate. Fidel Ramos has publicly accused his successor, Joseph Estr
was mired in a corruption scandal at the time, and according to some reports, Estrada believed Dacer was helping Ramos destabi

2001[edit]
Second envelope suppression[edit]

On January 17, 2001, the impeachment trial of President Estrada moved to the investigation of an envelope containing crucial ev
of political corruption by Estrada. Senators allied with Estrada moved to block the evidence. The conflict between the senator-jud
then Senate Majority Floor Leader Francisco Tatad requested to the Impeachment court to make a vote for opening the second en
favor of examining the evidence, and 11 senators in favor of suppressing it. After the vote, Sen.Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. resigned as
impeachment proceedings together with the 9 opposition Senators and 11 prosecutors in the Estrada impeachment trial. The 11 ad
the opening of the second envelope remained in Senate Session Hall together with the members of the defense. They were chante
surnames were arranged.

Impeachment trial[edit]
Corruption charges[edit]

President Estrada in 2000.

The Estrada presidency was soon dogged by charges of plunder and corruption. He was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio
drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings. [40] In O

racketeer, Luis "Chavit" Singson, governor of the province of Ilocos Sur, alleged that he had personally given Estrada the sum of
illegal gambling profits, as well as 180 million pesos ($3,715,170) from the government price subsidy for the tobacco farmers' m

Impeachment proceedings[edit]

Singson's allegation caused an uproar across the nation, which culminated in Estrada's impeachment by the House of Representat
succeed. The articles of impeachment were then transmitted to the Senate and an impeachment court was formed, with Chief Jus

Major television networks pre-empted their afternoon schedules to bring full coverage of the Impeachment Trial. There were thre
(normally the Senate Chamber): one from ABS-CBN, one from the GMA Network, and one from NBN (Then, it was PTV, or the
camera).

During the trial, the prosecution (composed of congressmen and private prosecutors) presented witnesses and evidence to the imp
involvement in an illegal numbers game, also known as jueteng, and his maintenance of secret bank accounts. However, the pres
justice, former congressman, former solicitor-general and other lawyers) denied such allegations including his ownership of an ac
in February 2001, at the initiative of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., the second envelope was opened before the local an
that stated that Jaime Dichavez and not Estrada owned the "Jose Velarde Account".[47][48]

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson was one of the witnesses who testified against President Estrada. The President and t
"partners" in-charge of the operations of illegal gambling in the country.[citation needed] Governor Singson feared that he would be charg
talks about the governor making a deal with the opposition... he was to help incriminate Estrada and he would be compensated fo
anti-Estrada lawmakers. He was then asked to accuse the President of having committed several illegal acts. Vice-President of the
Ocampo testified that she saw the President, Joseph Estrada sign the false name "Jose Velarde" on the banking document and this

According to Transparency International in an old survey that did not fit with newer information[by whom?], Estrada was the tenth mos
the second Philippine Head of State after Marcos in terms of corruption.[50][51]

EDSA II[edit]
Main article: EDSA Revolution of 2001

Protests[edit]

On the evening of January 16, 2001, the impeachment court, whose majority were political allies of Estrada, [52] voted not to open
incriminating evidence against the president. The final vote was 1110, in favor of keeping the envelope closed. The prosecution
out of the Impeachment Court in protest of this vote. Others noted that the walkout merited a contempt of court which Davide, in
[53]
The afternoon schedule of television networks covering the Impeachment were pre-empted by the prolongation of the day's co
The evening telenovelas of networks were pushed back for up to two hours. That night, anti-Estrada protesters gathered in front o
Avenue, not too far away from the site of the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew Ferdinand Marcos. A political turmo
resignation became stronger than ever. In the following days, the number of protesters grew to the hundreds of thousands.

On January 19, 2001, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, decided to withd
its allegiance to the vice president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The following day, the Supreme Court declared that the seat of pre

Resignation[edit]

At noon, the Supreme Court declared that Estrada "constructively resigned" his post and the Chief Justice swore in the constitutio
President of the Philippines.[54] Prior to Estrada's departure from Malacaang, he issued a press release which included:

On January 18, 2008, Joseph Estrada's Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) placed a full-page advertisement in Metro Manila new
a dent on Philippine democracy". Its featured clippings questioned the constitutionality of the revolution. The published featured
Times, The Straits Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Asia Times Online, The Economist, and the International Herald

Estrada appointee as chairwoman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Cecilia Muoz Palma opined that EDSA 2 violate