PNP not opposed to Erap birthday in San Juan

The Philippine National Police on Monday did not object to detained former President Joseph Estrada’s request to the Sandiganbayan that he be allowed to celebrate his 70th birthday at his Polk Street, San Juan residence on April 19. Chief Superintendent Romeo Hilomen, Police Security and Protection Office director, told the anti-graft court's special division that the PNP can provide security for Estrada during a nine-hour leave from detention between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The PNP…interposes no objection to the motion of accused former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada that he be allowed to mark his 70th birthday in Greenhills, San Juan Metro Manila on April 19, 2007 and on the same day to proceed to the Cardinal Santos Hospital," Hilomen told the court. Estrada, who is being detained at his Tanay, Rizal resthouse while facing plunder and perjury charges, had requested that he be allowed to mark his birthday with his family at his own home and also to visit his ailing 102-year-old mother, Doña Mary Ejercito. He further asked that he be allowed to undergo medical examination at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, also in San Juan, upon the recommendation of his personal physician, Dr Lorenzo Hocson. In a medical certificate dated Apr. 3, 2007, Hocson said Estrada has a “right bundle branch block" which indicates weakened heart muscles and “degenerative spondylosis" in his lower back or a deformity and deterioration of the spinal joints. The doctor said Estrada would have to undergo more tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if he requires surgery. Prosecutors have opposed Estrada’s request, saying the medical checkup is not urgent. They said the former President can have his medical examination when he visits Doña Mary on her 103rd birthday on May 2. -GMANews.TV