Erap ready to bid goodbye to politics

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada is leaving politics and showbiz for good to devote more time to his family and to write a book about his life, a report on abs-cbnnews.com said yesterday.

Estrada jokingly told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief Danny Buenafe that the book will be titled “Memoirs: The Life and Loves of Erap” and will be transparent and not self-serving.

It will also reportedly highlight his political mistakes, as Estrada claimed no individual is perfect.

The former president, who went to London to attend the graduation of his daughter Jerika, who graduated second honor in her International Business Administration course at the American Intercontinental University, was emotional when he revealed his plans.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Buenafe, Estrada said there is nothing more to prove after ranking second to presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and garnering more than nine million votes in the May 10 elections.

He said the number of votes he got already vindicated him of all the charges and allegations thrown his way, and as such, he is ready to accept the report of the National Board of Canvassers on the outcome of the elections.

“I have been very blessed, perhaps, I am even one of the luckiest persons on earth because I became a superstar, mayor, senator, vice president, president and even a prisoner. God and the people have given me so many chances,” Estrada said.

The former chief executive also said that at 73, he is no longer interested in even playing the role of political kingmaker in future elections or accept any government appointment.