Erap to stay overnight in San Juan for mom’s b’day

Detained former President Joseph Estrada will again be given the chance to spend time with his mother Mary Marcelo-Ejercito — this time to celebrate her 99th birthday on Sunday.

The Sandiganbayan has granted Estrada’s request for a 36-hour pass to visit his mother, greet her happy birthday and spend the night at her home in Greenhills, San Juan. Estrada’s request was not opposed by the prosecution panel in the plunder case filed against him.

The Sandiganbayan special division trying the plunder case said yesterday that Estrada may leave his detention quarters at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal at 5 a.m. Sunday and must return to Camp Capinpin by 5 p.m. Monday.

Estrada’s visit to his mother will be the fourth such request granted by the anti-graft court this year, following the overnight visit made by the ousted leader to his mother at the San Juan Medical Center on March 18, his three-day Lenten retreat from April 8 to 10 and his birthday furlough on April 19.

No media interviews will be allowed during Estrada’s 36 hours with his mother unless these interviews are sanctioned by the Sandiganbayan. Estrada’s use of telecommunications equipment will be allowed only upon the discretion of Estrada’s police custodians led by Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento.

Chief Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio did not pose any objection to Estrada’s latest furlough request. He personally told Estrada during the Sandiganbayan justices’ ocular inspection of the deposed leader’s villa in Tanay, Rizal on April 20 that he has a "soft spot" for mothers.

Villa Ignacio said the prosecution opposed the other motions filed by Estrada as whimsical, petty and which aimed only to get the court to order house arrest for him.

Estrada’s earlier motion seeking two- to three-hour daily visits to his villa located across Camp Capinpin was opposed by the prosecution. The prosecution also opposed Estrada’s motion seeking a modified custodial arrangement that would allow him to undergo weekly physical therapy at his villa.