MANILA - Newly installed Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Sunday maintained his innocence from the accusations thrown against him when he was President of the Philippines. In his speech before his constituents in Manila, he even likened himself to the likes of world leaders Nelson Mandela, Anwar Ibrahim, Aung San Suu Kyi and Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. “It’s a historic milestone for Manila…For the first time, we will have a convict as mayor,” he said, adding that he was offered twice to go abroad and not face any charges provided that he sign a document “clearly stating that I resign as President.” But he said he chose to face all accusations “because I know that I am innocent.” Like the world leaders he mentioned, he stressed that “we were all convicted, now we’re known as men of conviction,” explaining that his principles, especially in serving the poor, pushed him to remain in the country.
