'Joseph Estrada' nabbed for beating up son

A namesake of former President Joseph Estrada was arrested Sunday for verbally abusing his wife and beating up his son in Mandaluyong City.

Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, Mandaluyong City police chief, said Joseph Estrada, 33, did not resist arrest after his wife, Jemmy, 31, and 11-year-old son filed a formal complaint against him.

De Sagun said Jemmy admitted that she and Estrada had been separated for almost a year because of Estrada’s penchant for beating up their son when he is intoxicated.

She said she filed physical injuries charges against Estrada but decided to drop the case to allow him to enter into drug rehabilitation.

Last Sunday, Estrada, who was reeking of liquor, visited his family in Barangay Namayan in Mandaluyong City. He stayed until late at night.

When Jemmy asked Estrada to leave because their children need to sleep early since they had classes the next day, Estrada hurled expletives at his wife.

Upon hearing his parents quarrelling, the 11-year-old son came to his mother’s rescue and pushed his father out of the house, De Sagun said.

An angry Estrada beat up his son, prompting Jemmy to shout for help. In a radio interview, Estrada claimed he was only defending himself because his son tried to kick him.

De Sagun said they are preparing appropriate charges against Estrada, who is detained at the Mandaluyong City police detention center.