Ex-Pres. Estrada's condition 'slightly improved,' says son Jinggoy

Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, currently in ICU and on mechanical ventilation, is in stable condition with his vital signs normal, according to his son, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, on Wednesday.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Jinggoy said his father's condition "slightly improved" since he was put on mechanical ventilation due to his pneumonia.

"Nag-improve naman po nang bahagya [it improved slightly]," Jinggoy said when asked about the former leader's condition. He also said his father remains sedated.

The elder Estrada, who is 83 years old, was put on mechanical ventilation after his pneumonia worsened "to improve oxygen delivery as well as to prevent the tiring of his respiratory mechanism," Jinggoy said in a statement Tuesday.

Jinggoy announced that his father was COVID-19 positive last March 29. During the Unang Balita interview, he said the former President might have contracted the virus from visitors.

"Hindi naman siya lumalabas ng bahay, siguro 'yung pag-entertain ng mga bisita sa bahay [I think he got the virus from visitors since he doesn't go out of the hosue]," he said.

Jinggoy said his wife, Presentacion, also tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently on isolation. Jinggoy said his swab test result came out negative.

Jinggoy also said doctors have discouraged them from using ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug not yet approved for use on humans, on the former President.

"Tinanong ko kung puwede bigyan ng ivermectin, tinanggihan ako ng doktor [I asked if they can give ivermectin to my father, but the doctor said no]," he said. —KBK, GMA News