If there is one indisputable constant in the storied life of Joseph Ejercito Estrada, it is how his every undertaking took him to zenith. He will proudly enumerate these stages in his 81-year existence as he should, beginning with his rise from a bit player in show business to lead actor, action superstar and producer.
In the realm of politics, the same phenomenon emerged. For in the late 1960s no one ever imagined that the silver screen’s “Asiong Salonga” — a political greenhorn — would ever become mayor. But of course, he proved them wrong, landing one stunning victory after the next to surprise all and sundry when he leapt to the senate, to the vice presidency and finally became president of the Republic of the Philippines.