In May 1998 they elected Joseph (Erap) Estrada, an immensely popular actor, as president.

FORBES: The Ronald Reagan of the Pacific

"419 is asking you to join him for lunch, " Erap's aide tells me when I arrive.

CNN: DAYS OF THEIR LIVES

"There is a tidal wave of votes for Erap, " says Blas Ople, LaMMP's most senior senatorial candidate.

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

As Estrada Sr. bounds onto the stage, his supporters break into a chant: "Erap, Erap, Erap, Erap!"

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

His slogan is "Erap para sa mahirap" (Erap is for the poor).

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

"The next president of the Republic of the Philippines, Joseph 'Erap' Estrada!"

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

Current mayor (and Erap's son) Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada shouts: "It is my honor to introduce my own father, who is definitely better-looking than I am!"

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

Philippine President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, who ran for office with the slogan "Erap para sa Mahirap"--Erap for the poor--realized previous administrations' efforts to alleviate poverty hadn't worked.

FORBES: Waking Dead Capital

To overcome this, Erap needs to make his mark.

CNN: ERAP'S BIG ROLE

In late August, Health Secretary Felipe Estrella quit after complaining that he was being routinely bypassed by his subordinate, Health Undersecretary Susan Pineda Mercado, who happens to be married to defense secretary Mercado, an old Erap buddy.

CNN: ERAP'S BIG ROLE

"You shouldn't take it seriously, " says Erap.

CNN: DAYS OF THEIR LIVES