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Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Estrada flies to Hong Kong, vows to return
MANILA -- Former president Joseph Estrada assured Monday that he would return to the country upon the completion of his knee surgery in Hong Kong.
Malacaņang is banking on Estrada's promise to return as soon as his treatment in is finished.
Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the government would hold Estrada "to his words that he will not abscond."
"Justice with compassion will prevail. He will be secured and constantly subjected to lawful guards. We wish him well," Bunye said.
The former president left the country at 2:55 p.m. Monday.
He was with his wife, Senator Luisa "Loi" Estrada, personal physician Lorenzo Hocson, chief of staff Rolando Ramirez, spokesman Didagen Dilangalen and four police escorts.
His political allies ushered him to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Other relatives and about 100 supporters saw him off at the airport.
Estrada looked relaxed in a denim jacket, jeans and sunglasses as he made his first visit overseas since being ousted amid massive anti-corruption protests in 2001.
He has been under virtual house arrest at his holiday home east of Manila.
The 67-year-old former film star told reporters at Hong Kong's airport that he wouldn't try to abscond.
"I have to go back to continue the revolution against the tyranny of hunger, poverty and against the reign of corruption and mismanagement," he said.
In a departure message, Estrada said he would be back not only to face and clear himself from the plunder case but also to rebuild the nation.
"I shall return. I shall come back to stand up," he said.
Estrada said in his return, he would continue the vision of his late friend and movie icon Fernando Poe Jr. to help the less fortunate people.
He clarified that he did not enter into a deal, compromise or any form of agreement with the Arroyo government in exchange for his trip as earlier claimed by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson.
Estrada's medical operation is scheduled on December 29 to 30 at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.
He will stay in Hong Kong until January 15, 2005 for his recovery.
An anti-graft court allowed Estrada to leave for the surgery after he posted a 1 million peso (US$17,800; euro13,000) travel bond and formally pledged to return.
The operation will be performed next week by Estrada's doctor of choice, U.S. surgeon Christopher Mow, at Hong Kong's Adventist Hospital. The surgery's date hasn't been announced yet.
Chief Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio has opposed Estrada's trip, saying that the surgery could be done in the Philippines and that there was a risk Estrada could seek asylum or take other legal steps to avoid returning.
However, Bunye assured that Estrada "will be secured and constantly subjected to lawful guards."
Prosecutors allege that while in office, Estrada amassed about 4 billion pesos (US$71.6 million; euro52.9 million) in illegal gambling payoffs, tax kickbacks and commissions stashed in secret bank accounts. (JFF/JMR with AP)
(December 28, 2004 issue)
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