Jinggoy Estrada Biography: Wife, Politics, Ethnicity, Movies, Net Worth, Children, Age, Controversy

Jose Pimentel Ejercito Jr., better known as Jinggoy Estrada, is a Filipino politician and actor whose public life bridges both the entertainment industry and national politics.

He first gained attention as a young actor in Philippine movies, before transitioning into public service. Over the years he has served as vice mayor and then mayor of a municipality, and later as a senator — roles that brought him into the national spotlight. His dual careers in film and politics have made him a familiar figure in the Philippines.

Profile

• Full name: Jose Pimentel Ejercito Jr.
• Date of birth: February 17, 1963
• Age: 62 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Profession: Politician, Actor, Film Producer
• Parents: Father: Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada; Mother: Luisa Pimentel-Ejercito Estrada
• Siblings: Jacqueline Ejercito-Lopez,Jude Ejercito
• Spouse: Ma. Presentacion “Precy” Vitug-Ejercito
• Children: Janella Marie Ejercito,Joseph Luis Manuel Ejercito; Julian Emilio Ejercito,Julienne Ejercito
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Filipino
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and education

Jinggoy Estrada was born on February 17, 1963 in Manila, making him 62 years old. He is the eldest son of former President Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada and Luisa Pimentel-Ejercito Estrada. He has siblings named Jacqueline Ejercito-Lopez and Jude Ejercito.

For his early education, he attended primary and secondary school at the Ateneo de Manila University. He later earned a degree in A.B. Economics from the University of the Philippines Manila.

While already involved in local government as vice mayor, he pursued a Bachelor of Laws at Lyceum of the Philippines University for four years.

Personal Life

In 1989, Jinggoy Estrada married Ma. Presentacion “Precy” Vitug-Ejercito. Together they have four children: Janella Marie, Joseph Luis Manuel, Julian Emilio and Julienne.

Career

Jinggoy Estrada began his public life as an actor in his early 20s. He earned recognition in the film industry, receiving the Best Supporting Actor Award from the Filipino Academy for Movie Art and Science (FAMAS) for his performance in the film “Farita Punzalan Story”.

Beyond acting, he entered public service: he served as vice mayor of the municipality of San Juan from 1988 to 1992, then as mayor from 1992 until 2001. During his tenure as mayor, he oversaw initiatives to improve local infrastructure, such as building barangay halls with day-care centers, renovating schools and recreation facilities, improving drainage, concreting roads, and constructing a multi-storey medical center and a municipal gymnasium.

From 1998 to 2001, he served as National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, working to strengthen local government units across the country. At the national level, he was first elected to the Senate of the Philippines in 2004, serving until 2016.

During this period, he authored and filed hundreds of bills and resolutions; many focused on labor, human resources, local government empowerment, youth welfare, and overseas workers. He also served multiple terms as Senate President Pro Tempore. After losing a re-election bid in 2019, he successfully returned to the Senate in 2022.

Awards

• FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Award for “Farita Punzalan Story”
• Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor Award for “Katas ng Saudi” (2007)

Net worth

Jinggoy Estrada’s personal net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million.

Controversy

Jinggoy Estrada has faced significant legal challenges. In April 2001, he and his father, former president, were arrested on plunder charges tied to alleged “jueteng” operations and corrupt deals involving government agencies. He was released in 2003, was elected senator in 2004, and later acquitted in 2007.

In 2014, he was detained again, this time accused of embezzling funds in a scandal linked to misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, commonly known as the “pork barrel scam.”

In 2024, a court convicted him on one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery (though he was acquitted on plunder). The sentence included 8–9 years for direct bribery, 2–3 years for indirect bribery, and a fine. In August 2024, the relevant court reversed those convictions.

Social Media

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Filmography

• Sa Kuko ng Agila (1989)
• Col. Elmer Jamias: Barako ng Maynila (2000)
• Sagot Kita Mula Ulo Hanggang Paa (2000)
• Katas ng Saudi (2007)