San Juan vice mayor declares mayoral bid

MANILA, Philippines - San Juan City Vice Mayor Francis Zamora yesterday officially declared his bid for the city’s mayoral post as he promised to “free” the city from 46 years of “control” by the Ejercito (Estrada) family.

In front of around 1,000 supporters at the San Juan Gymnasium, the 37-year-old vice mayor also challenged reelectionist Mayor Guia Gomez to a public debate.

He said residents now have a set of candidates who can stand against the Ejercitos, led by his father, San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who is seeking another term.

The elder Zamora will face off with Janella Ejercito, a cousin of Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, Gomez’s son by former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

The vice mayor said he will prioritize development in education, health and business investments and assured residents he will take a “hands on” approach to governance.