Erap Allowed to visit mom

Former President Joseph Estrada was granted a one-day pass yesterday by the Sandiganbayan allowing him to visit his mother, who will be celebrating her 102nd birthday this Wednesday, as well as seek medical treatment.

The Sandiganbayan Special Division, composed of Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro and Associate Justices Francisco Villaruz Jr. and Diosdado Peralta, granted only a day pass on May 2, instead of the three days being asked by the defense counsel of the former president.

The graft court said Estrada must be transported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) from his Tanay, Rizal residence directly to the San Juan Medical Center at 8:00 a.m. on May 2.

Afterwards, he would be brought to his mother’s residence on Kennedy Street, Greenhills, San Juan, where he will stay until 5 p.m. of the same day. Immediately thereafter, Estrada will be returned to his place of detention at Tanay.

The control and supervision of all visitors shall be made by the PNP security pursuant to existing pertinent laws and regulations. – Sandy Araneta, Katherine Babaran