|
Friday, December 24, 2004
Erap's Hong Kong trip postponed to Dec. 26
MANILA -- The Sandiganbayan postponed Thursday the Hong Kong trip of jailed President Joseph Estrada to December 26 for security reasons as many people would rush to the airport to travel abroad this holiday season.
He was allowed to undergo knee surgery at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital on December 27.
His personal physician, Christopher Mow, would do the reconstructive surgery to replace his ailing knees with titanium plates.
Estrada, who was ousted in massive anti-corruption protests in 2001 and put on trial later that year, initially got clearance to make the trip four days ago, his defense lawyer Rene Saguisag said.
When he failed to leave immediately, the court set a new date.
The former president has to stay in Hong Kong for 21 days and will fly back to the country on January 15, 2004.
The special anti-graft court upheld the 21-day stay of Estrada in Hong Kong.
It ruled that any request of the former president's extension of stay would depend on Hong Kong immigration.
Estrada's lawyers posted P1 million bond at the Sandiganbayan for his travel.
Estrada has also already complied with other legal requirements, including a pledge to return to the Philippines, to be confined at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital and to express in writing his recognition of the court's jurisdiction.
The 67-year-old former president, who is not allowed bail, is held in virtual house arrest at his holiday home in Tanay town east of Manila.
He promised he would go home once his operation was completed, and dismissed allegations by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson that he would flee to China.
Estrada also said he would not seek political asylum or any other actions to prolong his stay in Hong Kong.
Chief prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio has opposed Estrada's departure, saying surgery can be performed here and there was a risk Estrada could seek asylum or resort to legal means to avoid returning to face the charges against him.
Singson had griped in public that Malacanang had influenced the Sandiganbayan to allow the former president to travel abroad as part of the "secret deal" between Estrada's camp and government.
According to him, the group of Estrada agreed to support the Arroyo administration provided they would allow him to get out of the country.
He said he received information that from Hong Kong, Estrada will escape to China where he could never be extradited.
The governor criticized the Arroyo government for giving Estrada special treatment, but this was denied by the Palace. (Jonathan F. Fernandez)
(December 24, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Cardinal to hunter team: Don't kill the suspects