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Monday, December 27, 2004
Estrada to leave for Hong Kong Monday
MANILA -- Former president Joseph Estrada will be leaving Monday for Hong Kong to undergo knee surgery.
Estrada's trip to Hong Kong was first scheduled last December 23 but for security reasons, it was moved to December 26.
However, since the former president was unable to book plane tickets for all members of his entourage, it was again postponed.
Sandiganbayan Court Sheriff Ed Urieta said Estrada would fly to Hong Kong Monday.
Malacaņang is praying for Estrada's speedy and full recovery.
Press Secretary and presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the Palace is wishing him "well on all his undertakings."
The ousted president will stay in Hong Kong until January 15.
He is set to undergo knee surgery at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital on December 27.
His personal physician, Christopher Mow would do the medical operation.
Bunye, in a phone interview, reiterated that there is no secret deal between the government and Estrada as claimed earlier by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson.
He said Singson already understood the situation and "all the documents would speak for itself."
"What he feared would not take place," he added.
Government prosecutors and Singson have opposed Estrada's Hong Kong travel, insisting that he can have knee surgery in the Philippines.
They warned that Estrada might seek asylum or resort to legal means to avoid returning.
Singson said this was made obvious with the arrangements made by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales but Estrada promised to be back.
The Philippines and China do not have an extradition treaty. (JFF/JMR)
(December 27, 2004 issue)
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