Erap now wants Christmas in San Juan

Lawyers of ousted President Joseph Estrada expressed hope yesterday that he would spend Christmas at his residence in North Greenhills Subdivision in San Juan.

Lawyer Jose Flaminiano said they are not filing a petition for a Christmas furlough for their client but they are hopeful that the Sandiganbayan will grant their petition for his transfer to his residence before Christmas.

"If the petition to have him transferred to Polk Street (San Juan) is granted, that is where he will spend Christmas," Flaminiano said in a phone interview.

Defense lawyers had earlier asked the court to have Estrada transferred to his Polk Street residence in San Juan’s upscale Greenhills district and stay there for at least a month, saying they needed to prepare him for his court appearance.

Moving him to his residence would also be a convenience for them, they added, citing the long trip they have to take to see him at his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal.

Flaminiano said although the Sandiganbayan’s last hearing date for Estrada’s case for the year will be on Dec. 14, the court can still issue a resolution on their petition. The Sandiganbayan will resume hearings on Jan. 9. — Mike Frialde