Trece Martires City in Cavite is a known bailiwick of former President Joseph E. Estrada, officials claimed Friday.

A proof of the claim was a council resolution which made Estrada an adopted son of the city in 2008, the officials said.

As an adopted son, the actor-politician was given a token symbol of the city during his visit this year. Mayor Melencio de Sagun read the citation for him.

Trece Martires, the site of the provincial capitol, is a third-class city with a population of 90,177 in 13 barangays (villages), based on the latest census survey.

In the upcoming elections, Sagun, who is on his last turn as city mayor, is running for governor of Cavite under the banner of Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP). Sagun was elected three times as mayor since 2001. His son, Melandres G. de Sagun, is vying for the mayoral seat in the 2010 elections also as a PMP candidate.

There are also six other PMP candidates vying for the vice mayoral and council race, Commission on Elections (Comelec) records showed.

The move of the Saguns and the others to vie under the PMP banner was also a proof of their good relationship and loyalty to Estrada.

The city council unanimously approved in 2008 a two-page resolution citing Estrada as “a formidable person and a great leader who inspired millions through his strength, courage and commitment for the welfare and best interest of the country.”

Council Resolution 2008-045 reads: “President Estrada deserves to be recognized and be honored as the guiding light, not only of the poor and marginalized sector, but of the entire citizenry of the City."