Malacañang on Tuesday, March 30, wished former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada a speedy recovery after he tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
(Photo by Linus Escandor / FILE PHOTO)
“We wish former President Erap Estrada to please get well soon,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said during a press briefing aired on state-run People’s Television Network (PTV-4).
Estrada, who also served as Manila mayor for
two terms—2013 to 2019, got hospitalized due to difficulty in breathing. He is now in stable condition.
It was his two sons—former senators Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito—who revealed the health condition of the former president and mayor.
Actor-businessman Jake Ejercito, another son of Estrada, asked prayers for the full recovery of his 83-year-old father.
Calling him a Philippine legend, the Palace official said he was looking forward that Estrada would immediately recover from the virus.
“Alamat po kayo dito sa Pilipinas (You’re a legend here in the Philippines) so we want to see you healthy. And we want you to take part in the public life of the country for a very long period of time,” Roque said.
Estrada was the country’s 13th president who served from 1998 to 2001. Prior to this, he was elected a long-time mayor in San Juan City, a senator, and vice president.