View source for Presidency of Joseph Estrada

{{Short description|Philippine presidential administration from 1998 to 2001}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}

{{Infobox administration
| image = President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada, Argentine President Menem (cropped) (cropped2).jpg
| name = Presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada
| term_start = June 30, 1998
| term_end = January 20, 2001
| president = Joseph Ejercito Estrada
| president_link = President of the Philippines
| seat = [[Malacañang Palace]], [[Manila]] 
| party = [[Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino|LAMMP]]
| predecessor = [[Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos|Fidel Ramos]]
| successor = [[Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo|Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]
| election = [[1998 Philippine presidential election|1998]]
| cabinet = ''[[#Administration and cabinet|See list]]''
}}
{{Joseph Estrada sidebar}}

The '''presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada''', also known as the '''Estrada administration''', spanned 31 months from June 30, 1998, to January 20, 2001. Estrada was elected [[president of the Philippines]] in the May 11, 1998 national elections, receiving almost 11 million votes.

Estrada campaigned on a pro-poor platform. He ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. He made efforts to clean the bureaucracy by ordering the immediate relief of [[political corruption|corrupt officials]] in the military and police hierarchy. He ordered a wide-ranging investigation of all government contracts entered into by the previous administration to ensure these were above-board and directly advantageous to the citizenry. He also ordered the investigation of suspected big-time tax evaders including individuals who had contributed to his presidential campaign. He undertook an aggressive housing program on a national basis, targeting low-cost homes for the poor.

Estrada assumed office amid the [[Asian Financial Crisis]] and with agricultural problems due to poor weather conditions, thereby slowing the economic growth to -0.6% in 1998 from a 5.2% in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200020&Itemid=26|title=Philippines : Gov.Ph : The Official Government Portal of the Republic of the Philippines - General Information}}</ref> The economy recovered by 3.4% in 1999 and 4% in 2000.<ref name="autogenerated6">Abaya, Antonio. (January 17, 2007). [http://www.iskandalo.com/article.html?id=264 GMAs Successes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713061608/http://www.iskandalo.com/article.html?id=264 |date=July 13, 2011 }}. Retrieved September 28, 2009. <!-- Replaced original link that became invalid: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=antonioAbaya_jan17_2008 with what I suspect is an alternate link referring to a copy of the original article --></ref> The agricultural sector received greater priority, while the national government took steps to bring down the cost of medicine. His term was marked by a growth in foreign investments. He declared an [[2000 Philippine campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front|"all-out-war"]] against the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF), which led to the [[Battle of Camp Abubakar|capture]] of the [[Camp Abubakar|largest camp]] of the MILF.

In 2000, Estrada was accused of illegally accepting payoffs from various sources, including ''[[jueteng]]'', a popular local numbers game, sparking a national controversy that led to the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]] voting to impeach him. The Senate impeachment trial ended abruptly in mid-January 2001 after prosecutors staged a walk-out after the senators voted against the opening of a document that supposedly contained substantial evidence against Estrada. The decision drew [[Second EDSA Revolution|protesters to EDSA]], and the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] later withdrew their support. On January 20, 2001, Estrada resigned from office and fled [[Malacañan Palace|Malacañang]]. Following the Supreme Court's decision upholding the legality of the Arroyo presidency, Estrada was arrested at his San Juan home on April 25, 2001, on the warrant of arrest issued by the [[Sandiganbayan]] for plunder charges.

==Election and inauguration==
{{main|Inauguration of Joseph Estrada}}
[[File:1998PhilippinePresidentialElection.png|thumb|upright=0.8|Results of the [[1998 Philippine presidential election]]]]
{{excerpt|1998 Philippine presidential election|only=paragraph|paragraphs=1}}

Estrada [[Inauguration of Joseph Estrada|was inaugurated]] on June 30, 1998, in the historical town of [[Malolos]], [[Bulacan]]. Later that afternoon, Estrada delivered his inaugural address at the [[Quirino Grandstand]] in [[Luneta]]. In his inaugural address, Estrada said:

{{cquote|One hundred years after Kawit, fifty years after independence, twelve years after EDSA, and seven years after the rejection of foreign bases, it is now the turn of the masses to experience liberation. We stand in the shadow of those who fought to make us free- free from foreign domination, free from domestic tyranny, free from superpower dictation, free from economic backwardness.<ref>[http://erap.ph/speakson/inagural063098.htm Untitled Document] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20090808103137/http://erap.ph/speakson/inagural063098.htm |date=2009-08-08 }}</ref>}}

==Major issues of presidency==
===Speeches===
[[File:2000 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Joseph Ejercito Estrada, 13th President of the Republic of the Philippines.webm|thumb|Estrada during his [[State of the Nation Address (Philippines)|Third State of the Nation Address]] on July 24, 2000]]

* [[:s:Joseph Estrada's Inaugural Address|Inaugural Address]], (June 30, 1998)
* [[:s:Joseph Estrada's First State of the Nation Address|First State of the Nation Address]], (July 27, 1998)
* [[:s:Joseph Estrada's Second State of the Nation Address|Second State of the Nation Address]], (July 26, 1999)
* [[:s:Joseph Estrada's Third State of the Nation Address|Third State of the Nation Address]], (July 24, 2000)

===Major acts and legislation===
* Second [[RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement]]
* Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) – designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources
* Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756) – The measure grants a host of incentives to multinational firms establishing their regional hubs in the country. It also provides a tax- and duty-free operating environment for them, and multiple entry visas to expatriates and their families, as well as a flat income tax rate of 15%.
* Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762) – The bill dismantles 40 years of state protectionism over the country's retail trade industry and opens the sector to big foreign players.
* New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791) – The measure opens up the local banking industry to foreign players after almost 50 years of having it exclusively reserved and protected for Filipino nationals.
* Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) – Outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-driven New Economy
* New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799) – This law liberalizes the securities market by shifting policy from merit regulation to full disclosure. With its strengthened provisions against fraud, the measure is expected to pave the way for the full development of the Philippine equities and securities market.

==Administration and cabinet==
===Cabinet (1998–2001)===

{{toptextcells}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible plainrowheaders toptextcells" style="width:90%; font-size:95%;"
|- style="border-bottom-style:double;"
! scope="col" style="text-align:left; width:35%;" | Office
! scope="col" style="text-align:left;" | Name
! scope="col" style="text-align:left;" | Term<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://malacanang.gov.ph/presidents/fifth-republic/joseph-ejercito-estrada/ |title=Joseph Ejercito Estrada |website=Presidential Museum and Library |access-date=July 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514160653/http://malacanang.gov.ph/presidents/fifth-republic/joseph-ejercito-estrada/ |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[President of the Philippines|President]]
| H.E. '''Joseph Ejercito Estrada''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Vice-President of the Philippines|Vice-President]]
| H.E. '''[[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Executive Secretary (Philippines)|Executive Secretary]]
| '''[[Ronaldo Zamora]]''' || July 1, 1998 – December 31, 2000
|-
| '''[[Edgardo Angara]]''' || January 6, 2001 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Agrarian Reform|Secretary of Agrarian Reform]]
| '''Horacio Morales, Jr.''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[Department of Agriculture (Philippines)|Secretary of Agriculture]]
| '''[[William Dar]]''' || July 1, 1998 – May 24, 1999
|-
| '''[[Edgardo Angara]]''' || May 25, 1999 – January 6, 2001
|-
| '''[[Domingo F. Panganiban]]''' || January 8, 2001 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Budget and Management|Secretary of Budget and Management]]
| '''[[Benjamin Diokno]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Education (Philippines)|Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports]]
| '''[[Andrew Gonzalez]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Energy (Philippines)|Secretary of Energy]]
| '''Mario Tiaoqui''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Environment and Natural Resources|Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources]]
| '''[[Antonio Cerilles]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Department of Finance (Philippines)|Secretary of Finance]]
| '''Edgardo Espiritu''' || July 1, 1998 – December 31, 1999
|-
| '''Jose Pardo''' || January 2, 2000 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines)|Secretary of Foreign Affairs]]
| '''Domingo Siazon, Jr.''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Secretary of Health]]
| '''Felipe Estrella, Jr.''' || June 30, 1998 – September 13, 1998
|-
| '''Alberto Romualdez, Jr.''' || September 14, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[Secretary of the Interior and Local Government|Secretary of the Interior<br />and Local Government]]
| '''Joseph Ejercito Estrada'''<br />(''in concurrent capacity as President'') || July 1, 1998 – April 12, 1999
|-
| '''[[Ronaldo Puno]]''' || April 12, 1999 – January 7, 2000
|-
| '''[[Alfredo Lim]]''' || January 8, 2000 – January 19, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Department of Justice (Philippines)|Secretary of Justice]]
| '''Serafin Cuevas''' || June 30, 1998 – February 11, 2000
|-
| '''Artemio Tuquero''' || February 11, 2000 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Labor and Employment (Philippines)|Secretary of Labor and Employment]]
| '''[[Bienvenido Laguesma]]''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of National Defense (Philippines)|Secretary of National Defense]]
| '''[[Orlando S. Mercado]]''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Public Works and Highways|Secretary of Public Works and Highways]]
| '''Gregorio Vigilar''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[Department of Science and Technology (Philippines)|Secretary of Science and Technology]]
| '''William Padolina''' || June 30, 1998 – January 29, 1999
|-
| '''Filemino Uriarte''' || February 1, 1999 – January 1, 2001
|-
| '''Rogelio A. Panlasigui''' || January 2, 2001 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Department of Social Welfare and Development|Secretary of Social Welfare and Development]]
| '''[[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]''' || July 1, 1998 – October 3, 2000
|-
| '''Dulce Sasuisag''' || October 4, 2000 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Secretary of Tourism]]
| '''[[Gemma Cruz-Araneta]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 19, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Department of Trade and Industry (Philippines)|Secretary of Trade and Industry]]
| '''Jose Pardo''' || July 1, 1998 – 1999
|-
| '''[[Mar Roxas|Manuel Roxas II]]''' || 1999 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Department of Transportation (Philippines)|Secretary of Transportation and Communications]]
| '''Vicente Rivera, Jr.''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Presidential Communications Group (Philippines)|Presidential Spokesperson]]
| Sec. '''Fernardo Barican''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Presidential Communications Group (Philippines)|Press Secretary]]
| '''Rodolfo Reyes''' || June 30, 1998 – April 12, 2000
|-
| '''[[Dong Puno|Ricardo Puno]]''' || April 13, 2000 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chief of Staff (Philippines)|Malacañang Chief of Staff]]
| Sec. '''Aprodicio Laquian''' || February 2000 – March 22, 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsflash.org/2000/03/pe/pe001081.htm|title=Chief of Staff Quits Over Remarks "Made in Jest" |website=Newsflash.org|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426222244/http://www.newsflash.org/2000/03/pe/pe001081.htm|archive-date=April 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- style="border-top:2px solid #000;"
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Presidential Management Staff (Philippines)|Head of the Presidential Management Staff]]
| '''Leonora de Jesus''' || June 30, 1998 – 2000
|-
| '''Macel Fernandez''' || 2000 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)|Chairperson<br />of the Commission on Higher Education]]
| '''Angel Alcala''' || June 30, 1998 – July 11, 1999
|-
| '''Ester Garcia''' || July 12, 1999 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[National Economic and Development Authority|Director-General<br />of the National Economic and Development Authority]]
| '''[[Felipe Medalla]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines|Solicitor General]]
| '''[[Ricardo P. Galvez|Ricardo Galvez]]''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|Chairman<br />of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]]
| '''[[Jejomar Binay]]''' || July 1, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | [[National Security Council (Philippines)|National Security Adviser]]
| '''Alexander Aguirre''' || July 1, 1998 – January 19, 2001
|-
! scope="row" | Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
| '''[[Manuel Yan]]''' || June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[National Anti-Poverty Commission (Philippines)|Lead Convenor<br />of the National Anti-Poverty Commission]]
| '''Horacio Morales, Jr.''' || December 1998 – October 2000
|-
| '''[[Dulce Saguisag]]''' || October 2000 – January 20, 2001
|- style="border-top:2px solid #000;"
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[Chief of the Philippine National Police]]
| Police Dep. Dir. Gen. '''[[Roberto Lastimoso]]''' {{efn|Due to Santiago Aliño's unresolved retirement status, all of the succeeding PNP Chiefs (non-OIC) will only have rank of Police Deputy Director General (3-star rank).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Echeminada |first=Perseus |title=Barbers seeks director general rank for Lacson |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/01/28/94563/barbers-seeks-director-general-rank-lacson |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>|name=a}}|| 1998 – 1999
|-
| Police Dep. Dir. Gen. '''[[Edmundo Larroza]]''' (OIC) || 1999 – November 1999
|-
| Police Dir. Gen. '''[[Panfilo Lacson]] {{efn|Due to Santiago Aliño's unresolved retirement status, all of the succeeding PNP Chiefs (non-OIC) will only have rank of Police Deputy Director General (3-star rank). Panfilo Lacson has the rank of Police Deputy Director General until 2000. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Echeminada |first=Perseus |title=Barbers seeks director general rank for Lacson |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/01/28/94563/barbers-seeks-director-general-rank-lacson |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>|name=b}}''' || November 1999 – January 20, 2001
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Chief of Staff<br />of the Armed Forces of the Philippines]]
| Gen. '''Joselino Nazareno''' || 1998 – 2000
|-
| Gen. '''[[Angelo Reyes]]''' || 2000 – January 20, 2001
|}

===Other cabinet-level and high posts===
;Cabinet level
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Executive Secretary (Philippines)|Executive Secretary]]
** [[Ronaldo Zamora]] (1998–2000)
** [[Edgardo Angara]] (2000–2001)
* Press Secretary
** [[Rod Reyes|Rodolfo Reyes]] (1998–1999)
** [[Dong Puno|Ricardo Puno]] (1999–2001)
* Presidential Spokesman
** Fernando Barican (1998–2001)
* [[Chief of Staff (Philippines)|Presidential Chief of Staff]]
** Aprodicio Lacquian (1999–2000)
* Head of the Presidential Management Staff
** Leonora de Jesus (1998–2000)
** Macel Fernandez (2000–2001)
* [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] Chairman
** [[Jejomar Binay]] (1998–2001)
{{div col end}}

;Others
* Flagship Programs
** Robert Aventajado (1998–2001)
* Director General, Philippine National Police
** Gen. [[Roberto Lastimoso]] (1998–1999)
** Gen. [[Edmundo Larroza|Edmundo L. Larroza]]'', Officer-in-Charge'' (1999)
** Gen. [[Panfilo Lacson]] (1999–2001)

==Supreme Court appointments==
Estrada nominated the following to the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]]:

#Justice [[Bernardo P. Pardo]] – September 30, 1998
#[[Hilario Davide, Jr.]] – Chief Justice November 30, 1998 (an associate justice since 1991)
#Justice Arturo B. Buena – January 5, 1999
#Justice Minerva P. Gonzaga-Reyes – January 5, 1999
#Justice [[Consuelo Ynares-Santiago]] – April 6, 1999
#Justice Sabino R. De Leon, Jr. – October 12, 1999
#Justice [[Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez]] – December 22, 2000 (his last SC justice appointee)

==Pardons==
Estrada granted pardon to the following:
* Rodolfo Dominguez Quizon, Jr. (1998) – convicted of [[arson]]{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

==Domestic policies==
===Economy===
[[File:Vladimir Putin at APEC Summit in Brunei 15-16 November-9.jpg|thumb|220px|right|Estrada (7th from right) during the [[APEC]] summit in 2000.]]

Even with its strong economic team, the Estrada administration failed to capitalize on the gains of the previous administration. Estrada's administration was severely criticized for [[cronyism]], [[Administrative incompetence|incompetence]], and [[political corruption|corruption]], causing it to lose the confidence of [[foreign investors]].{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Foreign investors' confidence was further damaged when, in his second year, Estrada was accused of exerting influence in an investigation of a friend's involvement in [[#BW Resources scandal|stock market manipulation]]. Social unrest brought about by numerous bombing threats, actual bombings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities contributed to the economy's troubles. Economic performance was also hurt by climatic disturbance that caused extremes of dry and wet weather.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200020&Itemid=26|title=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|access-date=January 15, 2010}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

Toward the end of Estrada's administration, the fiscal deficit had doubled to more than {{Philippine peso}}100 billion from a low of {{Philippine peso}}49 billion in 1998.<ref>[http://www.iskandalo.com/article.html?id=264 Antonio C. Abaya – GMA's Successes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713061608/http://www.iskandalo.com/article.html?id=264 |date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=December 2022}} Despite such setbacks, the rate of [[GNP]] in 1999 increased to 3.6 percent from 0.1 percent in 1998, and the [[GDP]] posted a 3.2 percent growth rate, up from a low of −0.5 percent in 1998. Debt reached {{Philippine peso}}2.1 trillion in 1999. Domestic debt amounted to {{Philippine peso}}986.7 billion while foreign debt stood at US$52.2 billion.<ref name="autogenerated4">[http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20081007-164968/Records-prove-Estradas-achievements Records prove Estrada’s achievements – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721191850/http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20081007-164968/Records-prove-Estradas-achievements |date=July 21, 2015 }}</ref>

===''Masa'' format on radio===
During his term, Estrada ordered to the [[National Telecommunications Commission]] to adopt a [[Filipino language]]-based radio format known as ''[[Mass media|masa]]''. Named for his icon ''Masa'' (or Masses), all radio stations adopted the ''masa'' format since 1998, as [[Disc Jockey|DJ's]] wanted to replace English language-based stations immediately to air [[Original Pilipino Music|OPM]] songs and requests. After his term in 2001, several FM stations continued to adopt the ''masa'' format nationwide.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

===Saguisag Commission===
{{more citations needed section|date=December 2022}}

To investigate the [[Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos#Controversies|alleged anomalies]] of the [[Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos|Ramos administration]], Estrada created the "Saguisag Commission" headed by former Senator [[Rene Saguisag]].<ref name="tribuneonline1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20101213012230/https://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101209hed1.html Truth body vehicle for vindictiveness, retribution, says SC]. The Daily Tribune</ref> Ramos, however, refused to appear before the commission, for he argued that the jurisdiction lies in the court.<ref name="tribuneonline1"/>

In the so-called Centennial Expo scam, Mr. Ramos claimed the Senate committee that conducted the probe "never closed the case" because it did not issue any final report. Instead, he rued, Estrada created an administrative fact-finding commission headed by former Senator Rene Saguisag. But six former government officials during his administration who were implicated in the Centennial Expo scam were subsequently "exonerated" by the Ombudsman in October 1998. Former Vice President [[Salvador Laurel]], who chaired the Centennial Expo and was among the principal accused in this case, however, died before he could be exonerated, Mr. Ramos rued.<ref name="tribuneonline1"/>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

In the Smokey Mountain case, he said, he appeared in 2000 before the public hearing of the House committee on good government chaired by then Rep. Ed Lara whose panel cleared the project as valid and legal. Subsequently, he said, the Supreme Court ruled 13–0, with 2 abstentions, in favor of the project. The SC also upheld the legality and constitutionality of the project and dismissed the petition filed against it by Sen. [[Miriam Defensor Santiago]].<ref name="tribuneonline1"/>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

In the questioned Masinloc power project, he said, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee looked into the privilege speech of then Sen. [[Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.]] on Ramos' alleged influence that this power plant be sold to a consortium connected with [[Malaysian Prime Minister]] [[Mahathir Mohamad]].<ref name="tribuneonline1"/>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

===Agrarian reform===
The Estrada administration widened the coverage of the [[Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program]] (CARP) to the landless peasants in the country side,<ref>Grace Estela C. Mateo: Philippine Civilization – History and Government, 2006</ref> distributing more than {{convert|266000|ha}} of land to 175,000 landless farmers, including land owned by the traditional rural elite. (Total of 523,000&nbsp;hectares to 305,000 farmers during his 2nd year as president).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/cosca/2010/jospeh.htm |title=Joseph Estrada |access-date=January 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114183325/http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/cosca/2010/jospeh.htm |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In September 1999, he issued Executive Order 151, also known as Farmer's Trust Fund, which allows the voluntary consolidation of small farm operation into medium and large scale integrated enterprise that can access long-term capital. Estrada launched the ''Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo'' or MAGKASAKA. The [[Department of Agrarian Reform]] forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make FBs{{clarify|date=December 2022}} competitive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dar.gov.ph/ar_history.html |title=Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Organizational Chart |access-date=January 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218115202/http://www.dar.gov.ph/ar_history.html |archive-date=February 18, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1999, a huge fund was allocated to agricultural programs;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-OVERVIEW-OF-ECONOMY.html|title=Philippines Overview of economy, Information about Overview of economy in Philippines|website=www.nationsencyclopedia.com}}</ref> one of these is the ''Agrikulturang Maka Masa'', through which it achieved an output growth of 6 percent, a record high at the time,<ref name=autogenerated4 /> thereby lowering the [[inflation]] rate from 11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same year.<ref name=autogenerated4 />

===Anti-crime Task Forces===
In 1998, by virtue of Executive Order No. 8, Estrada created the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) to minimize, if not totally eradicate, car theft and worsening<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5HX3rBtIsI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130062907/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5HX3rBtIsI |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=dead|title=YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> kidnapping cases in the country.<ref name="youtube.com"/> With the help of this task force, the [[Philippine National Police]] achieved a record-high trust rating of +53 percent.<ref name="autogenerated4"/> Estrada also created the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) in 1999, with the objective of formulating and implementing a concerted of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational crime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pctc.gov.ph/laws/s99EO062.htm|title=Executive Order No.62|access-date=January 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121221102/http://www.pctc.gov.ph/laws/s99EO062.htm|archive-date=November 21, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2000, during the [[#Corruption charges|Juetenggate]] scandal of Estrada, high officials of the PAOCTF–[[Cesar Mancao]], [[Michael Ray Aquino]], Glen Dumlao, and PAOCTF chief [[Panfilo Lacson]]—were implicated in [[Dacer–Corbito double murder case|the murder]] of [[publicist]] [[Salvador Dacer]] and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in [[Cavite]].<ref name="youtube.com"/> Dacer at that time was accused to be behind a black propaganda against Estrada<ref name="youtube.com"/>–a charge [[Salvador Dacer|Dacer]] denied.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

===Death penalty===
{{more citations needed section|date=June 2022}}

The [[death penalty]] law in the [[Philippines]] was reinforced during the incumbency of Estrada's predecessor, [[Fidel Ramos]]. This law provided the use of the electric chair until the [[gas chamber]] (method chosen by government to replace electrocution) could be installed. However, the electric chair was destroyed some time prior due to a typhoon, leaving only a blackened scorch mark. Some sources have said it had burnt out the last time it had been used.

The first execution by [[lethal injection]] took place under Estrada's administration. On February 5, 1999, [[Leo Echegaray]], a house painter, was executed for repeatedly raping his stepdaughter. He was the first convict to be executed since the re-imposition of death penalty in 1993.<ref name="Death Penalty News March 2000">{{cite web|url=http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGACT530012000?open&of=ENG-BMU|title=Death Penalty News March 2000|access-date=January 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012182224/http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGACT530012000?open&of=ENG-BMU|archive-date=October 12, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> His [[execution]] induced once again a heated debate between the anti and the pro-death penalty forces in the Philippines with a huge majority of people calling for the execution of Echegaray.

The Estrada [[Administration (government)|administration]] supported death penalty as the antidote to [[crime]].<ref name="Death Penalty News March 2000"/> The opposition maintained that the death penalty is not a deterrent and that there have been studies already debunking the deterrence theory. Legislators and politicians refused to heed the recommendation of the Supreme Court for Congress to review the death penalty riding on the popularity of the pro-death penalty sentiment.

Six years after its re imposition, more than 1,200 individuals have been sentenced to [[death]] and seven [[convicts]] have been executed through [[lethal injection]].

From 1994 to 1995 the number of persons on death row increased from 12 to 104. From 1995 to 1996 it increased to 182. In 1997 the total death convicts was at 520 and in 1998 the inmates in death row was at 781. As of November 1999 there are a total of 956 death convicts at the National Bilibid Prisons and at the Correctional Institute for [[Women]].

As of December 31, 1999, based on the statistics compiled by the [[Bishop|Episcopal]] Commission on Prisoner Welfare of the [[Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines]], there were a total of 936 convicts interned at the National Bilibid Prisons and another 23 detained at the Correctional Institute for Women. Of these figures, six are [[minor (law)|minor]]s and 12 are [[alien (law)|foreigners]].

Estrada called a moratorium in 2000 to honor the bimillennial anniversary of Jesus' birth. Executions were resumed a year later.<ref name="Death Penalty News March 2000"/>

===Sovereign guarantees===
Estrada immediately ordered the removal of all [[sovereign guarantees]] on contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records showed that until January 20, 2001, Estrada did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://erap.ph/409/about-erap/|title=Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada—The Official Webpage of Joseph Ejercito Estrada » Biography|website=erap.ph|access-date=January 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209120432/http://erap.ph/409/about-erap/|archive-date=February 9, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Charter change===
{{Further information|Philippines charter change}}

Under Estrada, there was an attempt to change the 1987 constitution, through a process termed as CONCORD, or Constitutional Correction for Development. Unlike Charter change under presidents Ramos and Arroyo, the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would only amend the 'restrictive' economic provisions of the constitution that is considered as impeding the entry of more foreign investments in the Philippines.

There were objections from opposition politicians, religious sects and left wing organizations based on diverse arguments such as national patrimony and the proposed constitutional changes would be self-serving. Like his predecessor, Estrada's government was accused of pushing Charter change for their own vested interests.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

===War against the MILF===
{{main|2000 Philippine campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front}}
[[File:MILF militant lying prone.jpg|thumb|250px|right|An [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]] soldier trains with an [[M60 machine gun]].]]

During the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF) in July 1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration.<ref name="autogenerated5">{{Cite web |url=http://hdn.org.ph/speech-of-former-president-estrada-on-the-grp-moro-conflict/ |title=Speech of Former President Estrada on the GRP-MORO Conflict – Philippine Human Development Network |access-date=January 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007100949/http://hdn.org.ph/speech-of-former-president-estrada-on-the-grp-moro-conflict/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF), an Islamic group formed in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, and despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks against the military and civilians still continued.<ref name=autogenerated5 /> Such of those attack are 277 violations committed, kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti, the occupying and setting on fire of the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway. The Philippine government also learned that the MILF has links with [[Al-Qaeda]].<ref>[http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/moro.cfm Terrorism – Terrorist Network – In the Spotlight: Moro Islamic Liberation Front] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909040310/http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/moro.cfm |date=September 9, 2012 }}</ref> Because of this, on March 21, 2000, Estrada declared [[2000 Philippine campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front|an "all-out-war" against the MILF]]. During the war the [[Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines]] (CBCP) asked Estrada to have a [[cease-fire]] with MILF, but Estrada opposed the idea arguing that a [[cease-fire]] would cause more terrorist attacks. For the next three months of the war, [[Camp Iranun|Camp Abubakar]], headquarters of the MILF, fell along with other 13 major camps and 43 minor camps, and then all of which became under controlled by the government. The MILF leader [[Salamat Hashim]] fled the country and went to [[Malaysia]]. The MILF later declared a [[Jihad]] on the government. On July 10 of the same year, the President went to Mindanao and raised the Philippine flag symbolizing victory. After the war the President said, "... will speed up government efforts to bring genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao". In the middle of July the president ordered the military to arrest top MILF leaders.<ref name="peopledaily1">{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200007/10/eng20000710_45067.html |title=Philippine Military Takes Moro Headquarters |publisher=English.peopledaily.com.cn |date=July 10, 2000 |access-date=March 23, 2009}}</ref>

High on the list of priorities was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to report to. On October 5, 2000, the first massive surrender of 669 MILF mujahideen led by the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Sarip and seven other battalion commanders, surrendered to Estrada at the 4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista in [[Cagayan de Oro]]. They were followed shortly by a second batch of 855 surrenderees led by MILF Commander Sayben Ampaso on December 29, 2000.<ref>[http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/8068 American Chronicle | AFP-MILF 2000 War in Mindanao Remembered] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308031038/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/8068 |date=March 8, 2012 }}</ref>

The war with the MILF was severely criticized by foreign and media observers. Agriculture Secretary [[Edgardo Angara]] bridled at the high cost of Mindanao specifically the diversion of resources from military operations that eat away from the agriculture modernization program. Angara was quoted as saying "What General Reyes asks, he gets". Moreover, the fighting in Mindanao destroyed more than P135 million worth of crops and 12,000&nbsp;hectares of rice and corn fields.<ref>Amando Doronilla, The Fall of Joseph Estrada, 2001, p. 77</ref>

==Foreign policies==
[[File:Estrada-Clinton 2000.jpg|thumb|Estrada with U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]] at the [[Oval Office]]]]

The Estrada administration upheld the foreign policy thrusts of the Ramos administration, focusing on national security, economic diplomacy, assistance to nationals, and image-building. The Philippines continued to be at the forefront of the regional and multilateral arena; it successfully hosted the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in July 1998 and undertook confidence-building measures with China over [[South China Sea]] issue through a meeting in March 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.asean.org/698.htm |title=The 31st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), Manila, Philippines, 24–25 July 1998 |access-date=November 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316155114/http://www.asean.org/698.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Estrada strengthened bilateral ties with neighboring countries with visits to [[Vietnam]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Hong Kong]], Japan, and [[South Korea]].{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

The country also sent a delegation of 108 observers to the Indonesian parliamentary elections, and engaged in cooperative activities in the areas of security, defense, combating transnational crimes, economy, culture, and the protection of OFWs and Filipinos abroad.

===RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement===
{{main|RP–US Visiting Forces Agreement}}

On 1999, a [[RP–US Visiting Forces Agreement|Visiting Forces Agreement]] (VFA) with the United States was ratified in the Senate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/visitingforcesagreement1.htm|title=THE VISITING FORCES AGREEMENT BETWEEN US & RP - CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY|first=Joselito Guianan Chan, Managing Partner, Chan Robles and Associates Law|last=Firm|website=www.chanrobles.com}}</ref> The first VFA was signed under President Ramos in 1998, and the second was subsequently signed under Estrada; the two agreements came to effect a year later. The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the U.S. government to: notify Philippine authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any Philippine personnel visiting the U.S.; and when so requested by the Philippine government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of the Philippines, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of [[State department|State]] or [[United States Department of Defense|Defense]].<ref name="vfa2">{{cite web|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/visitingforcesagreement2.htm|title=Agreement Regarding the Treatment of RP Personnel Visiting the USA| access-date = September 16, 2006| publisher =ChanRobles Law Library}}</ref><sup>[VIII 1]</sup>

The Agreement contains various [[procedural defense|procedural safeguards]] which amongst other things establish the right to [[due process]] and proscribe [[double jeopardy]]<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[VIII 2–6]</sup>.
The agreement also, among other provisions,
exempts RP personnel from visa formalities and guarantees expedited entry and exit processing<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[IV]</sup>;
requires the U.S. to accept RP driving licenses<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[V]</sup>;
allows RP personnel to carry arms at U.S. military installations while on duty<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[VI]</sup>;
provides personal tax exemptions and import/export duty exclusions for RP personnel<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[X, XI]</sup>;
requires the U.S. to provide health care to RP personnel<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[XIV]</sup>;
and exempts RP vehicles, vessels, and aircraft from landing or ports fees, navigation or overflight charges, road tolls or any other charges for the use of U.S. military installations<ref name=vfa2/><sup>[XV]</sup>.

===Third informal ASEAN summit===
Estrada hosted the third Informal [[ASEAN]] summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from November 24–28, 1999. He met with the leaders of the nine ASEAN member-countries and three dialogue partners of the regional grouping, namely China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.<ref name="ops.gov.ph">[http://www.ops.gov.ph/summit99/nov28.htm]{{dead link|date=May 2018}}</ref> The leaders of the 10-member ASEAN and their three dialogue partners vowed to further broaden [[East Asia]] cooperation in the 21st century to improve the quality of life of peoples in the region; they also agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing common concerns in the area of transnational issues in the region.<ref name="ops.gov.ph"/>

==Controversies==
===1998===
====Subic Bay leadership dispute====
After winning the [[1998 Philippine general election|1998 presidential elections]] on May of that year, newly elected president Estrada issued Administrative Order No. 1, which ordered the removal of [[Richard Gordon (politician)|Richard Gordon]] as chairman of the [[Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority]] (SBMA).<ref name="plot-economist">{{Citation|title=The plot thickens|publisher=The Economist|date=July 11, 1998}}</ref> Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo, Gordon's critic and congressman of [[Bataan]] as new chairman. Gordon refused to step down, stating that his re-appointment from the Ramos administration gave him civil service protection.<ref name="jo-commerce-petitionjunked">{{Citation|title=Battered Subic chief loses appeal to stay|publisher=Journal of Commerce|date=September 2, 1998}}</ref> The removal process was not easy; hundreds of volunteers and paid people barricated the gates of SBMA and Gordon locked himself inside the SBMA Administrative Office Building 229. After this, Gordon was dubbed a dictator because he rebelled against an executive order. The issue sparked the interest local and foreign press known as the Showdown at Subic.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-w9gAX6j_Y | title=- YouTube | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>

Gordon filed for a temporary restraining order before the local court. The local court of [[Olongapo]] granted Gordon's request but Payumo's party filed an appeal before the [[Court of Appeals]] (CA). The CA reversed the local court's ruling and it was affirmed by the Supreme Court.<ref name="jo-commerce-petitionjunked" /> With the Supreme Court decision, Gordon called Payumo and turned over the reins of SBMA at the Subic Bay Yacht Club two months later on September 3, 1998. Together with the Subic volunteers, they cleaned up the facility.

====Textbook scam intervention====
In 1998, Estrada allegedly appointed a cousin, Cecilia de Castro, as presidential assistant. The President denied knowing her in the wake of the textbook scam in 1998. The President later intervened in the investigation of the said scam.<ref name="probetv.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.probetv.com/index.php?option=com_probetv&view=video&layout=program&vi=722&Itemid=8|title=ProbeTV Video}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

===1999===
====The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout====
Estrada criticized the ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]'', the nation's most popular broadsheet newspaper{{Citation needed|reason=popular by what standards; popular when?|date=October 2009}}, for "bias, malice and fabrication" against him.<ref name="media1">{{cite web|url=http://www.asiapac.org.fj/cafepacific/resources/aspac/phil2.html|title=asiapac.org.fj|website=www.asiapac.org.fj}}</ref> In 1999, several government organizations, pro-Estrada businesses, and movie producers simultaneously pulled their advertisements in the ''Inquirer''.<ref name="media1" /><ref name="media2">{{cite web|url=http://cpj.org/2000/03/attacks-on-the-press-1999-philippines.php|title=Attacks on the Press 1999: Philippines|website=cpj.org|date=March 22, 2000}}</ref> The presidential palace was widely implicated in the advertising boycott, prompting sharp criticism from international [[press freedom]] watchdogs.<ref name="media2" /><ref name="media3">{{cite web|url=http://www.cjfe.org/protestlets/1999/philippines.html|title=CJFE criticises government pressure on newspapers in the Philippines|access-date=January 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013212254/http://www.cjfe.org/protestlets/1999/philippines.html|archive-date=October 13, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====The Manila Times controversy====
Estrada launched a libel suit against the country's oldest newspaper the ''[[Manila Times]]'' over a story that alleged corruption in the awarding of a public works project. After a personal apology from an owner was published, the libel suit was dropped.<ref name="media2" /><ref name="atimes00">{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/media/AD22Ce02.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000929090956/http://www.atimes.com/media/AD22Ce02.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=September 29, 2000|title=Asia Times: Estrada's bullying of media under fire|website=www.atimes.com}}</ref> Within three months the ''Manila Times'' was sold to a "housing magnate with no previous newspaper experience".<ref name="media2" />

====BW Resources scandal====
BW Resources, a small gaming company listed on the [[Philippine Stock Exchange]] (PSE) and linked to people close to Estrada, experienced "a meteoric rise"<ref name="BW1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/08/business/worldbusiness/investigation-threatens-to-shut-exchange-in.html|title=Investigation Threatens to Shut Exchange In Philippines|first1=Thomas|last1=Crampton|first2=International Herald|last2=Tribune|work=The New York Times |date=March 8, 2000|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> in its stock price due to suspected stock price manipulation.<ref name="BW1" /> The ensuing investigation led only to further confusion when the head of the compliance and surveillance group of the PSE and his entire staff resigned<ref name="BW2">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDP/is_2000_March_13/ai_60067176/|title=Head of group probing stock market scandal resigns|website=Find Articles|agency=[[Kyodo News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131083658/https://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDP/is_2000_March_13/ai_60067176|date=March 13, 2000|archive-date=January 31, 2009}}</ref><ref name="BW3">{{cite web|url=http://premium.europe.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/foc/2000/03/17/|title=From Our Correspondent: It's Not Just Stocks the stock market's troubles are masking the Philippines' value|access-date=January 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708171134/http://premium.europe.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/foc/2000/03/17/|archive-date=July 8, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> saying "I believe I can no longer effectively do my job."<ref name="BW2" /> The events created a negative impression. "The BW controversy undermined foreign investor confidence in the stock market"<ref name="BW3" /> and "also contributed to a major loss of confidence in the Philippines among foreign and local investors on concerns that cronyism may have played a part."<ref name="BW2" />

====PCSO funding controversy====
{{more citations needed section|date=December 2022}}

The [[Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism]] has reported that there are 66 corporate records wherein Estrada, his wife, mistresses and children are listed as incorporators or board members. Thirty-one of these companies were set up during Estrada's vice-presidential tenure and one when he assumed the presidency. Based on the 1998 and 1999 financial statements, 14 of the 66 companies have assets of over {{Philippine peso}}600 million.

On October 15, 1998, First Lady [[Loi Ejercito]], registered with the [[Securities and Exchange Commission (Philippines)|Securities and Exchange Commission]] her private foundation—the Partnership for the Poor Foundation, Inc.—which provides relief and livelihood to the poor. A few months after its incorporation, the foundation received {{Philippine peso}}100 million from the [[Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office]] (PCSO) as donation. The donation far exceeded the PCSO's combined donation of {{Philippine peso}}65 million to regular beneficiaries like orphanages and hospitals. The complainants consider this a conflict-of-interest. The donation of government funds to the private foundation of the First Lady was also found to have been delivered to their legal residence in [[San Juan, Metro Manila]].<ref name="probetv.com"/>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

====Midnight Cabinet====
Estrada was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings.<ref name="manilatimes.net">[http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/1234-despite-stories-estrada-denies-midnight-cabinet "Despite Stories Estrada Denies 'Midnight Cabinet'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723202643/http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/1234-despite-stories-estrada-denies-midnight-cabinet |date=July 23, 2011 }}. [[Manila Times]]. Retrieved November 3, 2009.</ref> Members of the so-called midnight cabinet included [[Ilocos Sur]] Governor [[Chavit Singson]], [[Caloocan]] Representatitve Luis 'Baby' Asistio, and BW Resources Corp. head Dante Tan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tordesillas|first=Ellen|url=http://www.pcij.org/imag/PublicEye/nocturne.html|title=Erap Estrada: The Nocturnal President|website=[[Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000516113942/https://www.pcij.org/imag/PublicEye/nocturne.html|archive-date=May 16, 2000}}</ref>

====Estrada mistresses====
During the juetenggate scandal, Estrada's critics claimed that Estrada's [[Mistress (lover)|mistress]]es received financial benefits from the President.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1055847.stm | work=BBC News | title=Estrada mistresses to testify | date=December 5, 2000}}</ref>

====Hot cars scandal====
[[Valenzuela, Philippines|Valenzuela]] Representative [[Magtanggol Gunigundo II]] exposed the assignment of Estrada of some seized luxury vehicles and [[SUV]]s to his Cabinet secretaries and favored political allies through an obscure office "Presidential Retrieval Task Force."<ref name="Search">{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=181636|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131071608/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=181636|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Search launched for 30 'hot' cars, By Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star) Updated October 28, 2002| website=[[The Philippine STAR]] }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}} Estrada initially resisted his critics' calls to return the "hot cars" to the [[Bureau of Customs]], and challenged them to file a case against him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsflash.org/1999/09/pe/pe000882.htm|title=SEIZED VEHICLES STAY WITH OFFICIALS: ERAP|website=Newsflash.org|date=September 16, 1999|access-date=May 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607035537/http://www.newsflash.org/1999/09/pe/pe000882.htm|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> But, by November, he withdrew his earlier decision and instructed the Customs to dispose the vehicles through an auction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsflash.org/1999/11/pe/pe000941.htm|title=ERAP BLINKS; ORDERS AUCTION OF 'HOT' CARS|date=November 10, 1999|website=Newsflash.org|access-date=May 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607035541/http://www.newsflash.org/1999/11/pe/pe000941.htm|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2000===

====Juetenggate scandal====
[[Chavit Singson]] in October 2000 alleged he gave Estrada {{Philippine peso}}400 million as payoff from illegal gambling profits. On October 16, 2000, he accused Estrada, as the "lord of all jueteng lords" for receiving 5 million pesos protection money from [[jueteng]] every month during his term of presidency.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

====Dacer–Corbito double murder case====
{{main|Dacer–Corbito double murder case}}

Salvador "Bubby" Dacer, publicist in the Philippines, and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were abducted in [[Makati]], the business district of [[Manila]]. They were later killed, and their vehicle dumped. In 2001, a number of arrests were made.

The ultimate reasons for Dacer's murder remain a subject of debate. [[Fidel Ramos]] has publicly accused his successor, Estrada, of giving the original order—Estrada was mired in a [[Political corruption|corruption]] scandal at the time, and according to some reports, Estrada believed Dacer was helping Ramos destabilize his rule.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

===2001===
====Second envelope suppression====
On January 17, 2001, the [[Impeachment of Joseph Estrada|impeachment trial of Estrada]] moved{{clarify|date=December 2022}} to the investigation of an envelope containing evidence that would allegedly prove acts of [[political corruption]] by Estrada; senators allied with Estrada moved to block the evidence. The conflict between the senator-judges, and the [[prosecution]] became deeper, but then Senate Majority Floor Leader [[Francisco Tatad]] requested to the Impeachment court to make a vote for opening the second envelope. The vote resulted in 10 senators in favor of examining the evidence, and 11 senators in favor of suppressing it. After the vote, Senator [[Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.]] resigned as Senate President and walked out of the impeachment proceedings together with the 9 opposition Senators and 11 prosecutors in the Estrada impeachment trial. The 11 administration senators who voted YES to block the opening of the second envelope remained in Senate Session Hall together with the members of the defense. They were chanted with "JOE'S COHORTS" where their surnames were arranged.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

==Impeachment trial==
{{main|Trial of Joseph Estrada}}
{{Infobox impeachment process
| image          = 
| image_size     =
| caption        = 
| accused        = [[Joseph Estrada]], [[President of the Philippines]]
| proponents     = [[Minority Floor Leader of the House of Representatives of the Philippines|House Minority Leader]] [[Feliciano Belmonte Jr.]]
| period         = November 2000 – January 2001
| start          =
| end            =
| outcome        = Declared as resigned by the Supreme Court and left office on January 20, 2001.
| accusations    = Graft and corrupt practices, Betrayal of public trust and/or culpable violation of the constitution
| cause          = 
| header_votes   = Legislative votes by the [[Congress of the Philippines]]
| vote1          = Impeachment vote (November 13, 2000)
| accusation1    = 
| votes_favor1   = 77
| votes_against1 = 
| present1       = 
| not_voting1    = 
| result1        = [[Articles of impeachment]] approved by the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]]
| vote2          =
| accusation2    =
| votes_favor2   = 
| votes_against2 = 
| present2       = 
| not_voting2    =
| result2        =
| notes          =
}}

===Corruption charges===
[[File:Joseph estrada 2000.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Estrada in 2000]]

The Estrada presidency was soon hounded by charges of plunder and corruption. Estrada was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings.<ref name="manilatimes.net"/> In October 2000, an acknowledged gambling racketeer, [[Luis Singson|Luis "Chavit" Singson]], [[governor]] of the province of [[Ilocos Sur]], alleged that he had personally given Estrada the sum of 400 million [[Philippine peso|pesos]] ($8,255,933) as payoff from illegal gambling profits, as well as 180 million pesos ($3,715,170) from the government price subsidy for the tobacco farmers' marketing cooperative.

===Impeachment proceedings===
Singson's allegation caused an outcry across the nation, culminating in Estrada's [[impeachment]] by the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]] on November 13, 2000, which did not succeed. The articles of impeachment were then transmitted to the Senate and an impeachment court was formed, with [[Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines|Chief Justice]] [[Hilario Davide, Jr.]] as presiding officer.

Major television networks pre-empted their afternoon schedules to bring full coverage of the Impeachment Trial.

During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and evidence to the impeachment court regarding Estrada's involvement in an illegal numbers game, also known as [[jueteng]], and his maintenance of secret bank accounts. Estrada's legal team denied such allegations including his ownership of an account under the name "Jose Velarde". In February 2001, at the initiative of Senate President [[Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.]], the second envelope was opened before the local and foreign media, and it contained a document stating that [[Jaime Dichavez]] and not Estrada owned the "Jose Velarde Account".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29648010_ITM | work=Asia Africa Intelligence Wire | title=Dichavez owned bank account, says Pimentel | date=May 31, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/erapplundertrial/story/127550/BIR-wants-Erap-to-pay-P29B-tax-Estrada-cries-harassment|title=BIR wants Erap to pay P2.9B tax; Estrada cries harassment|date=October 16, 2008 }}</ref>

[[Ilocos Sur]] Governor [[Chavit Singson|Luis "Chavit" Singson]] was one of the witnesses who testified against Estrada. Estrada and the Singson were said to be "partners" in-charge of the operations of illegal gambling in the country.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} Singson feared that he would be charged and stripped of power (there have been talks about the governor making a deal with the opposition... he was to help incriminate Estrada and he would be compensated for his service), but he was offered immunity by anti-Estrada lawmakers. He was then asked to accuse Estrada of having committed several illegal acts. Vice-President of then [[Equitable-PCI Bank]] [[Clarissa Ocampo]] testified that she saw Estrada sign the false name "Jose Velarde" on the banking document and this was also witnessed by Apodicio Laquian.<ref>Amando Doronila: The Rise and Fall of Joseph Estrada, 2001</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2022}}

According to a 2004 [[Transparency International]] report, Estrada was ranked the world's tenth most corrupt head of government, and being the second Philippine Head of State after [[Ferdinand Marcos|Marcos]] in terms of corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0921295.html |title=World's Ten Most Corrupt Leaders1 |publisher=Infoplease.com Source: Transparency International Global Corruption Report 2004.|access-date=August 6, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transparency.org/content/download/4459/26786/file/Introduction_to_political_corruption.pdf |title=Global Corruption Report |publisher=Transparency International |access-date=August 6, 2009 |archive-date=July 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704093500/http://www.transparency.org/content/download/4459/26786/file/Introduction_to_political_corruption.pdf |url-status=dead }} {{dead link|date=December 2022}}</ref>

==EDSA II==
{{Main|Second EDSA Revolution}}

===Protests===
On the evening of January 16, 2001, the impeachment court, whose majority were political allies of Estrada,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010605171849/http://www.time.com/time/pacific/magazine/20010129/cover1.html People Power Redux]. TIME Pacific '''4'''. January 29, 2001</ref> voted not to open an envelope that was said to contain incriminating evidence against the president. The final vote was 11–10, in favor of keeping the envelope closed. The prosecution panel (of congressmen and lawyers) walked out of the Impeachment Court in protest of this vote. Others noted that the walkout merited a [[contempt of court]] which Chief Justice [[Hilario Davide Jr.]], intentionally or unintentionally, did not enforce.<ref>"The Supreme Court takes the Fifth." ''Philippine Daily Inquirer.'' July 14, 2003</ref> The afternoon schedule of television networks covering the Impeachment were pre-empted by the prolongation of the day's court session due to the issue of this envelope. The evening ''telenovelas'' of networks were pushed back for up to two hours. That night, anti-Estrada protesters gathered in front of the [[Our Lady of Peace Quasi-Parish|EDSA Shrine]] at [[Epifanio de los Santos Avenue]], not too far away from the site of the 1986 [[People Power Revolution]] that overthrew [[Ferdinand Marcos]]. A political turmoil ensued and the clamor for Estrada's resignation became stronger than ever. In the following days, the number of protesters grew to the hundreds of thousands.

On January 19, 2001, the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]], seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, decided to withdraw its support from the president and transfer its allegiance to the vice president, [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]. The following day, the Supreme Court declared that the seat of presidency was vacant.

===Resignation===
[[File:Arroyo First Oath.jpg|thumb|Arroyo is sworn in as the [[List of presidents of the Philippines|14th President of the Philippines]] by Chief Justice [[Hilario Davide Jr.]] on January 20, 2001.]]

At noon, the Supreme Court declared that Estrada "constructively resigned" his post and Chief Justice Davide swore in the constitutional successor, [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]], as President of the Philippines.<ref>[http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/mar2001/146710_15.htm Estrada vs Desierto: 146710-15 : March 2, 2001 : J. Puno : En Banc] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041231172731/http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/mar2001/146710_15.htm |date=December 31, 2004 }}. Supreme Court of the Philippines</ref> Prior to Estrada's departure from [[Malacañan Palace|Malacañang]], he issued a press release which included:

{{cquote|...'''I now leave Malacañang Palace, the seat of the presidency of this country''', for the sake of peace and in order to begin the healing process of our nation. I leave the Palace of our people with gratitude for the opportunities given to me for service to our people...<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2001/mar2001/gr_146710_2001.html|title=G.R. No. 146710-15}}</ref>}}

On January 18, 2008, Joseph Estrada's ''[[Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino]]'' (PMP) placed a full-page advertisement in [[Metro Manila]] newspapers, blaming [[EDSA 2]] of having "inflicted a dent on Philippine democracy". Its featured clippings questioned the constitutionality of the revolution. The published featured clippings were taken from [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']], ''[[New York Times]]'', ''[[The Straits Times]]'', ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', ''[[Washington Post]]'', ''[[Asia Times Online]]'', ''[[The Economist]]'', and the ''[[International Herald Tribune]]''. Former Supreme Court justice and Estrada appointee as chairwoman of the [[Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office]] [[Cecilia Muñoz-Palma]] opined that EDSA 2 violated the [[1987 Constitution]].<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/76974/Eraps-PMP-questions-EDSA-2-constitutionality GMA NEWS.TV, Erap's PMP questions EDSA 2 constitutionality]. January 18, 2008</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Wikisource author|Joseph Estrada}}
{{Commons}}
* [https://archive.today/20121209070048/http://erap.ph/409/ Official website of Joseph Estrada]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20001207033000/http://www.opnet.ops.gov.ph/ Office of the President (Archived-Estrada Administration)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150209120432/http://erap.ph/409/about-erap/ Joseph Estrada Curriculum Vitae]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111114010359/http://malacanang.gov.ph/presidents/fifth-republic/joseph-ejercito-estrada/ Presidential Museum & Library official biography]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/erapdotph Official YouTube channel of Joseph Estrada]
* {{IMDb name|id=0261825|name=Joseph Estrada}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Balisacan |first=Arsenio M. |editor1-last=Doronila |editor1-first=Amando |editor2-last=Abueva |editor2-first=Jose Veloso |title=Between fires: fifteen perspectives on the Estrada crisis |date=2001 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. |isbn=9789712711558 |pages=98–112 |chapter=Did the Estrada Administration Benefit the Poor? |chapter-url=https://pssc.org.ph/wp-content/pssc-archives/Works/Arsenio%20Balisacan/Did_the%20Estrada%20Administration%20Benefit%20the%20Poor..pdf}}

{{Joseph Ejercito Estrada}}
{{Philippine Presidents}}
{{Philippine Vice Presidents}}
{{MMFF}}

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