Emilio Ramon Pelayo Ejercito III (Tagalog: [ʔɛˌhɛːɾ.sɪˈto]; born October 5, 1963), commonly known as E. R. Ejercito,[a] is a Filipino actor and former governor of Laguna from 2010 until his removal in 2014. Prior to his election as governor, he served as mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna, from 2001 until 2010.[1] He is the son of actor George Estregan and the nephew of former President and former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
Emilio Ramon P. Ejercito III | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 17th Governor of Laguna | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – May 27, 2014 | |
| Vice Governor | Caesar Perez (2010–2013) Ramil Hernandez (2013–2014) |
| Preceded by | Teresita Lazaro |
| Succeeded by | Ramil Hernandez |
| Mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna | |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010 | |
| Vice Mayor | Melvin Madriaga (2001–2004) Crisostomo Vilar (2004–2010) |
| Preceded by | Abner Afuang |
| Succeeded by | Girlie Javier-Ejercito |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emilio Ramon Pelayo Ejercito III October 5, 1963 San Juan, Rizal, Philippines |
| Political party | AKAY (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations | PFP (2018–2024) PDP–Laban (2016–2018) UNA (2012–2016) PMP (2001–2012) |
| Spouse | |
| Relations | Mary Ejercito (grandmother) Joseph Estrada (uncle) Loi Ejercito (aunt) Gary Estrada (half-brother) Gherome Ejercito (half-brother) |
| Children | 8 |
| Parent(s) | George Estregan Ramona Pelayo-Ejercito |
| Residence(s) | Calamba, Laguna Pagsanjan |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman (BA) |
| Occupation | Politician, actor |
Early life
editBorn Emilio Ramon Pelayo Ejercito III on October 5, 1963, in San Juan, then a municipality of Rizal province, to actor Jorgé Jesús Marcelo Ejercito (1939–1988) who went by the screen name George Estregan and Ramona Pelayo (1942–2020) from Ibajay, Aklan. He holds residence in Pagsanjan.
Education
editHe studied at La Salle Green Hills for his primary and secondary education. He then studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman for his college education and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Majoring in Advertising and Visual Communications.
Acting career
editIn 1989, Ejercito began using the screen name George Estregan Jr. and Jorge Estregan, taken after his father's screen name, starring in the film Eagle Squad. He later went on to use Jorge "E. R." Estregan in his later acting career.[2]
Political career
editHe served as mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna from 2001 until 2010. He then ran for governor in 2010 and 2013. On May 27, 2014, the Commission on Elections unseated Ejercito after alleged overspending during the campaign for the 2013 midterm elections. Three days later, his uncle, Joseph Estrada, convinced him to step down. Despite the conviction, he attempted a comeback as governor in 2016 and 2019 but lost on both occasions to incumbent Ramil Hernandez.
On April 5, 2019, he was convicted and sentenced to 6 to 8 years in prison for graft over an anomalous insurance deal when he was mayor of Pagsanjan in 2008.[3][4][5] The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court on August 7, 2019, upheld its earlier ruling that also barred Ejercito from holding public office.[3][6]
Despite his conviction[7] and controversial transfer of residency,[8] Ejercito ran for mayor of Calamba in 2022, but eventually lost to Roseller Rizal.[9] He is seeking a comeback as mayor of Pagsanjan in 2025.[10]
Personal life
editEjercito was married to actress-politician Maita Sanchez (Girlie Javier-Ejercito in real life) from 1987 until her death in 2024.[11] They have eight children: Emilio Ramon IV (Eric), John Paul (Jet), Jorge Antonio Genaro (Jerico), Maria Guadalupe (Jhulia), Maria Angelica Victoria (died in 2004), an unnamed child (died in 2010), Juan Diego (Diego), and Maria Gabriela (Gabby).[12][13] Three of their children also entered politics: Jerico unsuccessfully ran for vice governor of Laguna in 2022; Jhulia is a candidate for the Laguna Provincial Board from the 4th district in 2025; and Jet is running for councilor in Pagsanjan in 2025.[10]
Organizations
edit- Vice President – Knights of the Altar (1982–1987) Became Altar Boy of 5 years at St. John the Baptist Parish Church, San Juan City
- Vice President – Katipunan ng mga Artistang Pilipino sa Pelikula at Telebisyon (KAPPT) or Philippine Cinema & Television Actors Guild, Inc. (1999–2002)
- Member – Rotary Club of Pagsanjan, Laguna
- Member – Carpa Club of Pagsanjan, Laguna
- National Presidential Adviser on Servant Leadership – The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles (TFOEPE)[14]
Television
editTelevision
edit| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985–1987 | Heredero | recurring role |
| 2000 | IBC Headliners | news anchor |
| 2021 | FPJ'S Ang Probinsyano | guest cast |
| 2023 | Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis | Juancho "Kamao" Dehado a.k.a. Scarface |
| Maging Sino Ka Man | Boss Frank |
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Mga Paru-Parrong Bukid | Senen's brother |
| Haunted House | Unknown | |
| 1986 | Bagets Gang | |
| Bukas ng Sabo Agi Buka sa Sabitan | ||
| Kapitan Pablo: Cavite Killing Fields | Kapitan Pablo's son | |
| 1987 | Humanda Ka, Ikaw ang Sumuko | Unknown |
| Target: Sparrow Unit | ||
| Boy Tornado | Boy's friend | |
| 1988 | Dongalo Massacre | Unknown |
| Lost Command | ||
| Tumayo Ka't... Lumaban | ||
| Alega Gang: Public Enemy No.1 of Cebu | Alega Gang Member | |
| Ambush | Unknown | |
| Ang Supremo | ||
| Kumander Dante | ||
| Kumakasa... Kahit Nag-iisa | ||
| Kamandag ng Dagat | ||
| 1989 | Alex Boncayao Brigade | Rudy |
| Kontra Puwersa | Unknown | |
| Eagle Squad | Jet Espino | |
| Isang Bala, Isang Buhay | Ex-commando | |
| Bala... Dapat Kay Cris Cuenca (Public Enemy No.1 of Region 4) | Unknown | |
| Moises Platon | ||
| Gapos Gang | ||
| 1990 | Kakampi Ko ang Diyos | |
| Asiong Salonga: Hari ng Tondo, 1950 | Asiong Salonga | |
| Urbanito Dizon: The Most Notorious Gangster in Luzon | Apache Gang Member | |
| Ibabaon Kita sa Lupa | Unknown | |
| Hanggang Saan ang Tapang Mo? | Greg | |
| Hukom. 45 | Unknown | |
| Hulihin si... Boy Amores | ||
| Alyas Pogi: Birador ng Nueva Ecija | Emilio Mallari (Air-Con Gang member) | |
| Inosente | ||
| 1991 | Leon ng Maynila: P/Col. Romeo B. Maganto, WPD-MPFF | Roger |
| Mayor Latigo: Ang Barakong Alkalde ng Baras | ||
| Captain Jaylo: Batas sa Batas | Dodong Sanggano | |
| OXO vs Sigue-Sigue | Unknown | |
| 1992 | Eddie Tagalog: Pulis Makati | |
| Task Force Habagat | Alfredo "Joey" de Leon | |
| 1993 | Manila Boy | Ragoy's henchmen no.2 |
| Sala sa Init, Sala sa Lamig | Drug Pusher | |
| Manchichirichit | Unknown | |
| Bukas Tatakpan Ka ng Dyaryo | ||
| 1994 | Epimaco Velasco, NBI | one of the Big-4 Man (cameo appearance) |
| 1995 | The Four Stooges | Stanley |
| Hatulan: Bilibid Boys II | Unknown | |
| Ang Titser Kong Pogi | Emilio the backdiving thug | |
| Kahit Harangan ng Bala | Jigo Almonte | |
| Mano Mano | Unknown | |
| 1996 | Balawis | |
| Kristo | St.Matthew | |
| Batang Z | Unknown | |
| Bossing | ||
| Hagedorn | Totoy | |
| Totoy Hitman: Batas Ko ang Hahatol | Ismael "Mael" Rivero | |
| 1997 | Extranghero | Dr. Ivan |
| Pag-Ibig Ko sa Iyo'y Totoo | Mr. Diaz's son | |
| Babasaging Kristal | Unknown | |
| Yes Darling: Walang Matigas Na Pulis... 2 | Kidnapper | |
| 1998 | Tuloy! Bukas ang Pinto! | Unknown |
| Ang Maton at ang Showgirl | Valdez | |
| Pakawalang Puso | Unknown | |
| Birador | Bank hold-up gang member | |
| Jesus Salonga, Alyas Boy indian | Unknown | |
| Cariño Brutal | ||
| Notoryus | ||
| Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng dibdib | ||
| Hiwaga ng Panday | ||
| 1999 | Type Kita... Walang kokontra! | Tong |
| Mamang Shotgun | Wilfredo | |
| Abel Villarama: Armado | Unknown | |
| 2000 | Makamandag Na Bala | |
| 2002 | Huwag Mong Takasan ang Batas | Melchor |
| 2009 | Ang Panday | Apoykatawan |
| 2010 | Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote | Ragat |
| 2011 | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga |
| 2012 | This Guy's in Love with U Mare! | Unknown |
| El Presidente | General Emilio Aguinaldo | |
| 2013 | Boy Golden | Arturo "Boy Golden" Porcuna |
| 2014 | Muslim Magnum .357: To Serve and Protect | Lt. Jamal Razul |
| 2023 | Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin | Ferdinand Marcos |
| TBA | Malvar: Tuloy ang Laban | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| TBA | Oplan Exodus: SAF 44 – For God and Country | TBA |
Awards
edit| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 37th Metro Manila Film Festival[15][unreliable source?] | Best Festival Actor | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Nominated |
| Male Sexiest Appeal Celebrity of the Night | – | Won | ||
| 2012 | GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards[16] | Outstanding Government Service Award | – | Won |
| 2012 | 28th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year (Best Actor) | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Won tied with (Aga Muhlach) |
| Male Star with Radiant Skin | – | Won | ||
| 2012 | 14th Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPasadong Aktor | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Won |
| 2012 | 60th FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Won |
| 2012 | 30th FAP Luna Awards | Best Actor | Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | Won |
| 2012 | 38th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Festival Actor | El Presidente | Nominated |
| 2013 | 29th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year (Best Actor) | El Presidente | Won |
| 15th Gawad PASADO Awards | PinakaPasadong Aktor | El Presidente | Won | |
| 61st FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | El Presidente | Won | |
| 39th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Festival Actor | Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill, the Arturo Porcuna Story | Nominated | |
| 2014 | 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year (Best Actor) | Nominated | |
| 62nd FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | Won | ||
| 2015 | 63rd FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | Magnum Muslim .357 | Nominated |
Notes
edit- ^ Also known by his official on-screen names Jorge Estregan (sometimes spelled Jeorge), George Estregan Jr. (sometimes spelled Jorge or Jeorge), and Jeorge "E. R." Ejercito Estregan (or simply Jeorge "E.R." Estregan).
References
edit- ^ Martinez-Belen, Crispina (March 1, 2011). "E.R. Ejercito is 'El Presidente'". The Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 2, 2011.
- ^ Japitana, Norma (March 27, 1989). "The action at Viva". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. p. 18. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Marcelo, Elizabeth (August 8, 2019). "Sandigan affirms ER Ejercito's conviction". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ Chiu, Patricia Denise M. (April 6, 2019). "Ex-governor Ejercito convicted of graft". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ Marcelo, Elizabeth (April 6, 2019). "ER Ejercito gets 8 years for graft". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ Ki, Czarina Ong (August 7, 2019). "Sandiganbayan affirms graft conviction of ex-Laguna Gov. Ejercito". Manila Bulletin News. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (October 1, 2021). "ER Ejercito, kakandidato bilang Calamba mayor; hindi natinag sa graft conviction" [ER Ejercito runs as Calamba mayor; unfazed by graft conviction]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (October 5, 2021). "Mag-asawang ER at Girlie Ejercito, tatakbong mayor sa magkaibang bayan sa Laguna" [The couple, ER and Girlie Ejercito, will run for Mayor in different towns in Laguna.]. PEP.ph (in Tagalog). Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ "Rizal unseats Chipeco as new Calamba mayor". CNN Philippines. May 11, 2022. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ a b PEP Troika (November 5, 2024). "ER Ejercito, idinetalye ang mga huling sandali ni Maita Sanchez". Philippine Enterainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (November 3, 2024). "Actress-politician Maita Sanchez, wife of ER Ejercito, dies at 55". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ Lando, Roy (March 23, 2020). "Girlie "Maita" Ejercito Biography - PeoPlaid Profile". PeoPlaid. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Serato, Arniel (April 5, 2013). "ER Ejercito wishes "good health" and "kambal" for wife Maita". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Tomandao, Roy (July 7, 2021). "Fraternal eagles". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ "Metro Manila Film Festival:2011". IMDb. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ "Vice Ganda named Phenomenal Box-Office Star; Derek Ramsay is Box-Office King while Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes share Box-Office Queen title" Archived July 1, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Pep.ph. Retrieved May 20, 2014.