Philippines ? Free for the first time in 6 1/2 years, ousted President Joseph Estrada thanked his successor for pardoning him and vowed Friday to stay out of “dirty politics” while dedicating the rest of his life to helping the poor.

The former action star’s first hours of freedom played out live in national television like a scene from one of his old films, which won him legions of fans for his portrayals of underdog heroes.

Estrada’s joyous release from house arrest was followed by a speech to thousands of cheering supporters in Manila’s San Juan district, where he once served as mayor, then a bedside visit to his ailing 102-year-old mother and a dinner of his favorite foods. His wife said she was making rice cake and paella.