Erap running for Manila mayor?

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada might run for mayor of Manila, sources at the Manila City Hall said yesterday.

Estrada, however, said reports that he is running for mayor of Manila in 2013 are just “rumors. They are not true. I don’t even have a house in Manila.”

Sources said that Estrada bought a house in Tondo, where he was born, a few months ago to establish his residency in the city. A mayoral candidate is required to be a resident of the city for at least a year.

According to reports, Estrada will run against Lim, who has not confirmed plans to run for reelection.

Estrada told The STAR that while he was told that residents of Tondo are clamoring for him to run for mayor, “I’m retired from politics already.”

Asked if he would consider running for senator, he said no, adding that he is more of an executive rather than a legislator.

“I’m more effective as an executive because I am not a lawyer. I’ve been an executive producer in the movies. I’ve been an executive of San Juan for 17 years. I’m more of an executive,” he said.