Who Is Joseph Estrada? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Joseph Estrada, born on April 19, 1937, is a prominent Filipino politician and former actor who served as the 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. As of 2025, Estrada is 87 years old. With a rich history in both the entertainment industry and political arena, his life has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies. Learn more about him here.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1937 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Tondo, Manila, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Philippines |
Popularity
Joseph Estrada's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At 87 years old, Joseph Estrada stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His current weight is around 175 lbs (79 kg), although specifics may vary as he ages. As for his body measurements, they remain relatively slender for his age, reflecting a generally active lifestyle.
Joseph Ejercito Estrada (born Jose Marcelo Ejercito; April 19, 1937), also known by the nickname Erap, is a Filipino politician and former actor, who served as the 13th president of the Philippines from 1998 until his resignation in 2001.
Estrada previously served as the ninth vice president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, the 22nd mayor of Manila, the country's capital from 2013 to 2019, and the 14th mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986.
In 2000, he became the first chief executive in Asia to be formally impeached, resigning two months later at the height of the Second EDSA Revolution. As a result, Estrada served the third shortest term as Philippine president, after Emilio Aguinaldo and Sergio Osmeña.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph Estrada was previously married to Luisa "Loi" Ejercito, with whom he has children including former Senator Jinggoy Estrada. In 2025, Estrada is reported to be in a stable relationship, although details about his partner remain under wraps. Throughout his life, he has maintained a close-knit family and remains active in various family and social functions.
His family later moved to the wealthy suburb of San Juan, then a municipality in the province of Rizal. He belonged to a wealthy family and was the eighth of ten children of Emilio Ejercito Sr. (1899–1977) and his wife, Maria Marcelo (1906–2009).
After graduating from the Ateneo Elementary School in 1951, he was expelled during his second year of high school at Ateneo for defending his classmate, Mario Tiaoqui, who became Energy Secretary under Estrada. Sec. Tiaoqui was bullied by a burly American named Patrick Hilton in the restroom.
Both Estrada and Hilton were dismissed but later struck a friendship in school reunions. Estrada graduated high school at the Mapúa Institute of Technology (MIT), and during college, he enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the MIT to please his father.
He would leave once again and transferred to Central Colleges of the Philippines (CCP) College of Engineering but dropped out to pursue films.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Joseph Estrada's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful film career, real estate investments, and various political roles throughout his lifetime. His salary during his presidency was significantly less than his accumulated wealth, as he also made considerable earnings from endorsements and business ventures.
On January 19, 2001, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes, seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, decided to "withdraw his support" of Estrada and pay his allegiance to the vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Career, Business and Investments
Joseph Estrada's career began in the Philippine film industry, where he became a popular actor during the 1970s and 1980s. He transitioned into politics in the late 1980s and became a significant figure in Filipino politics. Aside from his presidency, he has held various roles, including Mayor of San Juan and Senator. Estrada also has several business investments in real estate, restaurants, and other ventures, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in both politics and business.
Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over a hundred films in an acting career spanning some three decades. He also worked as a model, beginning as a fashion and ramp model at the age of 13.
He used his popularity as an actor to make gains in politics, serving as the mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986, as a senator from 1987 to 1992, then as vice president under President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1998.
Social Network
Joseph Estrada is active on social media platforms, engaging with his fans and followers. He is particularly known for his presence on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares updates about his personal life, political views, and upcoming events. His social media serves as a platform for him to connect with the Filipino community and promote various causes.
Estrada entered politics in 1967, running for mayor of San Juan, failing and only succeeding in 1969 after winning an electoral protest against Braulio Sto. Domingo. His administration achieved many infrastructure developments.
These included the establishment of the first Municipal High School, the Agora complex, a modern slaughterhouse, a sprawling government center with a post office, a mini-park, and the paving of 98 percent of the town's roads and alleys.
Education
Joseph Estrada completed his elementary education at the San Juan Elementary School before moving on to high school at the San Beda College, where he earned his high school diploma. He later studied at the University of the East, where he pursued a degree in Commerce. His educational background laid the foundation for his subsequent ventures in acting and politics.
In 1989, the Free Press cited him as one of the Three Outstanding Senators of the Year. He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of Pangasinan in 1990, and by the Bicol University in April 1997.
