Joseph Victor Ejercito

Senator JV Ejercito has established a distinct political identity centered on local government reform, public health, and urban development. 

Born on December 26, 1969, in Manila to prominent political figures—former San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez and former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada—Ejercito carved out his own legislative track record across local and national governance.

Ejercito completed his elementary and secondary education at Xavier School. He later attended De La Salle University Manila, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1991.

Ejercito entered public office in 2001 when he was elected Mayor of San Juan, a position he held for three consecutive terms. His local administration focused heavily on fiscal management and urban growth.

Under his leadership, San Juan’s annual revenue grew from ₱300 million in 2001 to ₱1.2 billion by 2010. This consistent economic performance led to San Juan's official conversion into a highly urbanized city in June 2007.

For his performance in public service and local governance, he received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award in 2007.

In 2010, Ejercito transitioned to national politics, running unopposed as the Representative for the Lone District of San Juan in the 15th Congress.

He chaired the House Committee on Metro Manila Development; served as Vice Chairman for the Committees on Labor and Employment, and Local Government. He authored 149 House Bills and 18 House Resolutions, making him the 9th most prolific lawmaker of that Congress.

His key Initiatives include co-authoring the Kasambahay Bill (Domestic Workers Act) and advocated for Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) reforms and increased state subsidies for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

Ejercito was elected to the Senate in May 2013. His work across the 16th and 17th Congresses leaned heavily into structural institutional reforms:

16th Congress: As Chairman of the Committees on Economic Affairs and Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement, he introduced 117 Senate Bills focusing on job generation, domestic economic policy, and housing infrastructure.

17th Congress: Serving as Chairman of the Committee on Health and Demography, alongside his housing chairmanship, he principally sponsored two major pieces of legislation:

The Universal Healthcare Law

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Law

He successfully facilitated the passage of at least 40 laws aimed at upgrading, expanding, and constructing public hospitals throughout the Philippines. In total, 55 bills he authored or co-authored became law during this term.

Outside of legislative session halls, Ejercito maintains active ties to military reserves and tourism advocacy. He is a Commissioned Reserve Officer of the Philippine Marine Corps holding the rank of Major, and is an adopted member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988 (Maringal).

A known motorcycle enthusiast, he actively promotes the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) program. His leisure activities also include golf and cycling.

He is married to Ma. Hyacinth Lotuaco, and they have two sons, Julio Jose and Jose Emilio.