Erap back inTanay after bout of gastroenteritis

Former President Joseph Estrada left the hospital yesterday after stricken by gastroenteritis and was flown by helicopter back to detention at his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal.

Estrada was scheduled to resume testimony at his corruption trial yesterday but it had to be postponed because of his condition.

Dr. Lorenzo Hocson, Estrada’s personal physician, said Estrada felt well enough for his court appearance but gave in to doctor’s advice and cancelled.

Estrada wanted to take the witness stand even with a bottle of dextrose attached to him, Hocson said.

"I said no. He was also the one who insisted to return to Tanay despite my suggestion that he stay for another day at the hospital."

Estrada used up two bottles of dextrose to fight the diarrhea during his overnight confinement at San Juan Medical Center in San Juan, a few minutes’ drive from his posh Greenhills, San Juan, residence.

Estrada’s dentist, Dr. Hermogenes Villareal, visited and did some work on a tooth during Estrada’s hospital stay. The Sandiganbayan had earlier denied Estrada permission to extend his pass and allow him to see a dentist following objections from the police.

Villareal fixed a loose porcelain cap that was bothering Estrada.

Estrada was discharged around noon and taken to a nearby helipad under heavy police guard, from where he was flown back to Tanay.

He was supposed to be back in detention at his resthouse after attending his mother’s 101st birthday at his San Juan residence last Wednesday.

However, Estrada felt ill and complained of stomach pain later in the day.

Sandiganbayan sheriff Ed Urieta allowed Estrada to stay overnight at his Polk Street mansion following advice from Hocson.

Hocson said Estrada suffered from loose bowel movement and dehydration.

Hocson believed the diarrhea was caused by too much fatty food that Estrada had at his mother’s party.

Ferdie Ramos, Estrada’s media relations officer, said Estrada was fine when he arrived at his residence on Wednesday. However, Estrada started going back and forth to the toilet as the day wore on.

Ramos said Estrada might have overeaten because he was excited to be home after being away for such a long time.

It was his first visit to his posh residence after five years in detention while undergoing trial for corruption.

Estrada was not allowed to give any press interviews while he was out, the Sandiganbayan said in its order.

The anti-graft court also denied his request to see a dentist supposedly scheduled on May 4 at a suburban hospital due to a lack of time to deal with security concerns.

The court also denied a request by defense lawyers to allow Estrada to stay until his court appearance today.

Estrada was arrested in 2001 after his ouster by a military-backed popular uprising over charges of massive corruption. He is currently on trial on plunder and other charges.

He was first detained at a police camp in Parañaque City and then at Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City before his transfer to Tanay, Rizal.

Estrada was initially detained at Camp Capinpin, a Philippine Army base, there before being put in "resthouse arrest" at his sprawling villa nearby.

After thumbing down a defense petition for house arrest at his San Juan residence, the Sandiganbayan has consistently denied Estrada’s requests in the past to visit his San Juan home for various reasons, apparently seen as excuses to leave detention.

This time, the court allowed Estrada to visit his Polk Street home to attend the 101st birthday of his mother, Mary Ejercito.

Estrada told the court that the celebration was held at his house because it has more space for relatives and friends. His mother lives at nearby Kennedy street.