Sandigan: Erap can attend Shaddai rites

Ousted President Joseph Estrada was given permission yesterday by the Sandiganbayan to attend the birthday celebration of El Shaddai spiritual leader Mike Velarde and to undergo a medical checkup tomorrow in a private hospital.

Before attending the Catholic charismatic group’s prayer meeting at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park, Estrada will first have his medical checkup at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan.

The anti-graft court granted Estrada’s request after the Philippine National Police gave assurance of adequate security for the former president from the time he leaves detention at his sprawling resthouse in Tanay, Rizal until he arrives at the hospital and the Quirino Grandstand.

"Estrada is allowed to undergo his regular medical examination on Saturday (Aug. 20) from 8 a.m. and thereafter proceed to the Quirino Grandstand at 4 p.m., solely for the purpose of attending the celebration of the Holy Mass," read the court’s two-page resolution.

The special division instructed PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao to coordinate with Sandiganbayan sheriff Ed Urieta to ensure the security of Estrada.

In its order, the anti-graft court warned Estrada that he must only be taken to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the Quirino Grandstand.

"Estrada shall be returned to his place of confinement at the JE Youth Camp in Tanay, Rizal immediately after the conclusion of the Holy Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, unless the PNP, in its discretion, deems it proper to return him earlier," read the resolution.

No media interviews will be given by Estrada, except those allowed by the Sandiganbayan.

Estrada’s use of communications equipment, including cell phones, will be at the discretion and authority of his police escorts. — Delon Porcalla