Former president Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada positive for COVID-19

Former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada tested positive for COVID-19, his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, confirmed to DZBB Super Radyo on Monday, March 29.

In the interview, the younger Estrada said his father was rushed to the hospital on Sunday night, March 28, and was in stable condition.

His other sons, former senator JV Ejercito and actor Jake Ejercito, also confirmed the news on their respective social media accounts Monday morning.

Estrada was president from 1998 to 2001, and was deposed after “EDSA Dos,” a series of protests on EDSA held from January 16 to 20, 2001 amid Estrada’s trial for plunder charges. He was later on pardoned by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who had taken over his seat.

“I wish to extend my warmest wishes for a speedy recovery to former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and all those battling COVID-19. You are in my thoughts and prayers,” Arroyo said in a statement.

Estrada also served as mayor of the city of Manila for two terms – from 2013 to 2019. Mayor Isko Moreno crushed his reelection bid in 2019. – Rappler.com