JV to continue Estrada’s legacy

Civic leader and businessman JV Estrada last night vowed to make the historic town of San Juan "one of the country’s most prosperous and peaceful municipalities" as he formally launched his candidacy for mayor in the suburban center.

"San Juan is poised to become a model town and a growth center under another Estrada administration," JV told thousands of cheering followers.

Running under the Puwersa ng Masa party, the youth leader said he will continue the ‘glorious administration’ of the ‘best mayor San Juan ever had, Joseph Ejercito Estrada.’ JV added that he will further pursue the progress-oriented projects implemented by brother outgoing Mayor Jinggoy Estrada.

The former Jaycee national president recalled that it was under Mayor Erap Estrada that San Juan tripled its income, drove crime lords out of town and residents rediscovered their pride in their community. The suburban municipality experienced further growth when Estrada’s son, Jinggoy, assumed the mayoralty several years later.

He vowed to give residents full access to jobs, education and training. He said his administration will help residents develop, finance and operate small businesses to make them self-employed or become employers instead of working as white-collar or blue-collar workers.

Estrada also pledged to build a cleaner and greener municipality and give residents cleaner air and water. He said the rehabilitation of the San Juan River will be a cornerstone of his administration.

"San Juan will also enjoy peace and discipline. People will be able to walk in the streets at night without fearing for their safety," JV Estrada told his audience.