MANILA, Philippines — Former president and Manila mayor Joseph Estrada has been transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), according to his son and former senator Jinggoy Estrada.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Jinggoy said Estrada was moved to the ICU for closer observation.
“While he needed to be placed on high flow oxygen support, we are thankful that there’s no need to put him on a ventilator,” Jinggoy said.
Estrada, 83, was rushed to the hospital last week due to COVID-19 infection and severe pneumonia.
“He is being sedated to lessen his anxiety, which may affect his heart and aggravate his condition. He is in a stable but guarded condition,” Jinggoy said.
Jinggoy said the Ejercito and Estrada families are thankful to those who have expressed their support for the former president.
“We request for continued prayers for his speedy recovery,” Jinggoy said.
Jinggoy and his brother, former senator JV Ejercito, denounced a fake news report posted on social media that Estrada had died of COVID-19.