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C o m m e n c e m e n t S p e a k e r
HON. JOSE PIMENTEL EJERCITO, JR.
Senator of the Republic of the Philippines
The senator finished his primary and secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila University
and earned a degree in A.B. Economics from the University of the Philippines, Manila. He
took up Bachelor of Laws at the Lyceum of the Philippines University while serving as Vice
Mayor of then Municipality of San Juan at the age of 25. He was also bestowed a doctorate
degree in Humanities (honoris causa) in 2007 by the Laguna State Polytechnic University in
recognition of his academic excellence and socio-civic achievements as public servant.
In his early 20’s, Senator Jinggoy, as he is fondly called, became a movie actor and
eventually bagged acting awards from the Filipino Academy for Movie Art and Science (FAMAS).
In 1999, he also became the host of the television public service program SaBAYAN, which
has helped a number of Filipinos through his significant exposés.
In 1992, he became the youngest ever elected local chief executive in the country at
age 29. During his incumbency, the Municipality of San Juan gained the reputation of being
one of the most progressive municipalities and the most peaceful municipality in the Philippines.
For three (3) consecutive terms, he administered the economic, social, political and
cultural affairs of his constituents beyond everyone’s expectations. He spearheaded various
projects and programs such as the following, among others: construction of modernized
barangay halls with day care centers; repair and renovation of the now San Juan National
High School and other public elementary schools, recreation centers like gymnasiums,
basketball courts and playgrounds; establishment of different livelihood centers; improvement
and replacement of drainages, concreting of municipal roads and
construction of the 4-storey San Juan Medical Center and the
San Juan Municipal Gymnasium.
During his final tenure as mayor, he was sworn
into office as the National President of the League of
Municipalities of the Philippines (1998-2001). He
efficiently harnessed the potential of local government
units (LGUs) as reliable partners of the national government
in nation-building. During his stint, his initiatives
secured the continuous empowering of LGUs and provided
better service facilities to at least 1,525 municipalities.
As the eldest son of former President Joseph
Marcelo Ejercito Estrada and former Senator Luisa Pimentel-
Ejercito Estrada, it is not surprising that like his parents,
the Filipino masses have a special place in the heart
of Senator Jinggoy, along with siblings, Jacqueline
Ejercito-Lopez and Jude Ejercito. In May
2004, the Filipino people gave the “anak
ng masa” an official mandate to serve
as Senator of the Republic of
the Philippines. This gave him the
chance to carry out his earnest
desire to continue the pro-poor
programs that his father has started
and to pursue his commitment to
address the problems besetting
the country through just and
meaningful legislation.
46 th Commencement Exercises