Mary Ejercito

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Maria Marcelo Ejercito, also known as Mary Ejercito (born May 2, 1905)^[1] is the mother of Joseph Ejercito Estrada, the 13th President of the Philippines. Her ailing health was cited as among the reasons for the withdrawal of the appeal of the former President from his conviction for criminal plunder charges in 2007; Estrada would immediately be pardoned by his successor, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ejercito finished her secondary schooling at the Colegio de Sta. Rosa, and enrolled at the University of the Philippines Faculty of Music, where she received a diploma in piano.^[2] She married Emilio Ejercito, an engineer who became the first Sanitary Engineer of the City of Manila.^[2] Together, they had ten children, including President Estrada and the actor George Estregan. All ten of her children would become successful professionals. In 1998, Ejercito received the "Ulirang Ina" award from the Philippines’ Elderly Persons Foundation. In that same year, she attended the presidential inauguration of her son Joseph at Barasoain Church in Bulacan.

During the presidency of her son, Ejercito kept a low profile. She reportedly advised her son to be cautious of the influence wielded by his close friends.^[3] During the 2000-2001 impeachment trial of her son, news of the crisis was withheld from her, but she soon learned of the trial and reportedly told President Estrada, "It's more than high time you change. The people are angry now.".^[4]

Ejercito's health began to decline during the six-year incarceration of her son. Estrada would occasionally be granted furloughs to visit his ailing mother.^[5] In 2007, Ejercito was confined at a San Juan City hospital, and reports soon emerged that she was near death.^[6] On September 12, 2007, Estrada was convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder charges and sentenced to reclusion perpetua. One month later, he withdrew his appeal and instead sought for a presidential pardon. Among the reasons cited for the request, which was granted, was Ejercito's "delicate condition".^[7]

On May 2, 2008, Ejercito celebrated her 103rd birthday from her hospital bed. She had been confined to the hospital and attached to a respirator since August of 2007.^[5]