Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said experience in handling local government affairs is imperative in becoming an effective president.
“Successful presidents were once local government heads,” Estrada said.
In an interview, Estrada underscored the importance of first-hand experience in dealing with local government issues as a prerequisite to becoming a country’s chief executive. He cited past US presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton who once served as governor of California and governor of Arkansas, respectively before they were elected presidents of the United States.
Estrada strongly declined to give any form of advice to his godchild, Senator Grace Poe who is currently being questioned for her residency status as national election looms.
He said Poe has a circle of advisers who could help her make decisions on next year’s polls. However, he said, a good president once served in the local government affairs which is a good training ground for any aspiring president in the country.
Estrada was one of the sponsors in Poe’s wedding and is the adopted daughter of one of Estrada’s closest friends, Fernando Poe, Jr.
MANILA BULLETIN
