Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said he might seek re-election next year to continue his mission to make Manila great again.
However, Estrada said that nothing is final yet and he may not run again to give way to Vice Mayor Isko Moreno whose term as the second highest local official of Manila will end in May next year.
“I would be forced to seek re-election if Vice Mayor Isko Moreno pushes through with his plan to run either for senator or congressman in the 2016 elections,” Estrada said in press conference.
Estrada said he would support Moreno if he runs for higher office.
Immediately after assuming his post as Manila mayor in 2013, Estrada declared he would not seek another term to give way to Moreno.
But for Moreno, the former matinee idol who turned to politics, said he would set aside his personal interest and dream to become mayor because he has seen how Estrada was determined to bring Manila back to its glory days as the progressive capital city of the country.
Moreno said he wanted Estrada to continue the good programs he had started.
Estrada for his part said he wanted to continue his projects and help increase the city revenues by raising real property tax rates.
Programs the mayor claimed he initiated in the city must be properly implemented to help Manilenos, he said.
“There are still many reforms to be done to sustain the city’s improving economic condition,” Estrada said in Pilipino.
Estrada has again ruled out running for presidency in 2016, saying he wants to concentrate “restoring Manila’s old glory.”
When asked who would be his running mate as vice mayor, Estrada did not name names saying he would choose from among the current councilors.