Erap Estrada tests positive for COVID-19
Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada tested positive for COVID-19, his son said on Monday, March 29.
In a Facebook post, his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, said that the 83-year-old Estrada was rushed to the hospital on Sunday night. He was later diagnosed with COVID-19.
“Stable po ang kanyang kundisyon at ako po ay humihingi ng inyong mga panalangin sa kanyang agarang paggaling,” Jinggoy said.
In a separate post, former senator JV Ejercito also asked for prayers for his father.
“Please pray for my father who has tested positive for COVID-19 and was rushed to the hospital,” he said. “Please pray for all those who are likewise fighting this virus.”
Estrada served as president of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. In 2001, he was ousted over corrupted allegations. In 2007, he was convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder. He was pardoned by his successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
His COVID-19 diagnosis comes as the country continues to experience a surge of new coronavirus cases. On Sunday, March 28, the Department of Health reported 9,475 new COVID-19 cases—the third straight day the country logged in over 9,000 cases.
Banner photo from Philstar.com