Erap now insists on US surgery

Former President Joseph Estrada now says he again wants to ask permission from the Sandiganbayan to seek medical treatment in the United States, his lawyers told the anti-graft court yesterday.

Early last month, the deposed leader filed a motion seeking permission to undergo knee surgery in the United States.

Press reports later said he had changed his mind after his close friend, action star Fernando Poe Jr., announced late last month that he would seek the presidency in the May elections.

Estrada was concerned that he would not be allowed to return by the Philippine government to prevent him from helping campaign for Poe, considered President Arroyo’s closest rival in next year’s polls, his lawyers said.

The Sandiganbayan asked defense lawyers to get Estrada’s position on the issue to know if it should still rule on his motion or not.

Yesterday, defense lawyers told the anti-graft court that the former action film star remained interested in having surgery in the United States.

"President Estrada believes that all factors considered, there are better medical facilities in the United States, without in a way belittling the merits of local medical institutions," they said in a three-page comment.

Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, who heads the three-member special court formed to try Estrada, said the ousted leader should set the record straight in the wake of "persistent pronouncements" in the press that he was no longer interested in seeking surgery abroad for his ailing left knee.

"It’s in the papers. He has been very categorical about it, that he fears he might not be allowed to come back here anymore," Justice Edilberto Sandoval told defense lawyers.

"It’s personal to him but we still need to know if there is still a need to pass upon the motion," Justice Teresita de Castro added.

Last year the Sandiganbayan thumbed down a bid by Estrada to seek surgery in the United States for his ailing left knee. The court said medical treatment is available in the country.

Estrada has also been complaining of recurring pain in his lower back and hip joints.

Estrada’s doctors said Estrada’s left knee, which has been afflicted with osteoarthritis — a bone degenerative disease — was aggravating his back pain caused by multiple slipped discs, a condition that can leave him paralyzed from the waist down. They recommended immediate surgery.

Critics oppose granting Estrada court permission to seek surgery abroad, saying medical attention is available in the country and he might try to escape justice.

Government prosecutors oppose Estrada’s renewed bid for surgery abroad. They said medical attention is available in the country.

Estrada is on trial for allegedly running an illegal gambling protection racket and illegally amassing up to P4 billion during his aborted 31-month presidency. He denies the charges.

Estrada was ousted in early 2001 by a popular uprising and replaced by then vice president Gloria Arroyo. He claims he was illegally ousted and still enjoys immunity from suit.