Estrada declares his good health

Estrada declares his good health

MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada went on nationwide radio on Thursday a day after minor surgery, declaring he is in good health and dismissing rumors he had liver failure.

A presidential palace statement said Estrada's left eye was covered by a bandage during the interview. He had undergone minor surgery on Tuesday night to remove excess skin on an eyelid which aides said was impairing his vision.

Estrada's health had been a major issue during last year's presidential election, where he swept to a landslide victory with a lead of more than six million over his closest opponent.

The overweight former movie star, a confessed gourmand, had said during the campaign that he no longer drank liquor.