PHILIPPINES: JOSEPH ESTRADA DECLARED COUNTRY'S NEW PRESIDENT (2)

(29 May 1998) English/Nat
The Philippine Congress on Friday proclaimed Vice President Joseph Estrada, a college dropout who made it big in movies and then became a bigger star in politics, the country's 13th president.
The proclamation came a day after Estrada's main rival, administration candidate Jose de Venecia, conceded defeat in the 10-member race to succeed President Fidel Ramos.
Although it came 18 days after the vote, the proclamation set a record in recent Philippine politics.
It is also the latest sign that the transfer of power to the main opposition party will be far more peaceful than many politicians expected.
Opposition candidate Joseph Estrada was welcomed by a round of applause and standing a ovation as he arrived at the Congress hall in Manila for the proclamation ceremony.
A joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Friday declared the former movie actor the 13th president of the Philippines.
His main rival, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, presided over the proclamation rites, along with Senate President Neptali Gonzales.
Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who ran under the administration party, was also declared the country's new vice president.
The proclamation came just three days after Congress started the official canvassing of votes for the two top posts.
Although it came 18 days after the May 11th general elections, Friday's proclamation set a speed record in recent Philippine politics.
It is also the latest sign that the transfer of power to the main opposition party will be far more peaceful than many politicians expected.
Normally, Congress spends several weeks verifying the returns in the presidential and vice-presidential races before proclaiming the victors.
Estrada had enjoyed a huge lead over the other nine contenders for the presidency.
He gained a devoted following among the country's poor during several decades as a B-movie actor, playing the roles of tough guys who stood up against injustice.
Estrada called the proclamation a triumph of Philippine democracy, and thanked his supporters.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"My emotions are mixed. I am so happy, of course. The people have given their trust and confidence in me, especially the masses. And
at the same time I'm looking forward in assuming office that I will encounter so many problems of our country, and I will be needing the
support of everybody."
SUPER CAPTION: Joseph Estrada, President-elect of the Philippines
Imelda Marcos, the wife of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos who withdrew her candidacy for the presidency and put her support behind
Estrada, said the people had made a wise choice.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I am very happy for the country and I think we have somebody who
is really strong for the people and for the masses, and I look forward to a really, really bright future for our country and people."
SUPER CAPTION: Imelda Marcos, Congresswoman
But some members of various farmers groups lost no time in trying to attract Estrada's attention.
They staged a die-in outside the Congress building, urging the President-elect to consider their demands for land reform.
Nearby, there was a separate group of Estrada fans.
Wearing caps bearing his face, they got together to wish Estrada all the best and to reaffirm their support for him.
Estrada will be formally inaugurated on June 30th.
He says he will continue most of current President Fidel Ramos' policies, but will focus on helping the poor and building up agriculture.
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[@gabrieliligan1416]

The President who truly brought peace in Mindanao.

[@donnettemorns2786]

It's awkward that joe de venecia proclaimed him president 😳

[@jeddominic2931]

Swerte nmn naging president nagkaroon ng opportunity na maka corrupt

[@MichelNey1813]

hindi naman sya naging pangulo para maghasik ng katiwalian, sadyang malakas lang ang mga kalaban ng pamahalaan.

[@TimeMakerDotPH]

Yep, and yung pumalit, mas korap kaysa kay Erap LOL.

[@ladyjulien]

1:11

[@milomurphy7511]

Bush estrada 2001

[@jhonjhondelacruz9746]

Biggest mistake of the Philippines

[@canineclient7006]

*one of the biggest mistake in the Philippines

[@jiandog4225]

@@canineclient7006 biggest mistake of Philippines was to vote Marcos Sr. for the second time.

[@canineclient7006]

@@jiandog4225 Yes, greed got to Marcos Sr. and declared Martial Law and plunged the country into billions of dollars worth of debt, that the people are still paying to this day.

[@crusaderm2438]

@@jiandog4225 biggest mistake nung naupo si cory bilang president!

[@crusaderm2438]

@@canineclient7006 lol kaya nag declare ng martial law dahil nanggugulo ang mga NPA noon.

[@jerwinplarisan3228]

My God, clean up ba yan?

[@nocontent52yearsago11]

HEil

[@ernimar5658]

Worst of the worst Animal

[@rommelreyes1254]

THE BIG-4 ESTRADA / LIM / MANALAC/ LACSON....HAIL MARCOZ !!! HAIL TAG-A-LOG REPUBLICAN ARMY !!