Estrada seeks alternatives for trip

Mon, 12 Jan 2004 | Source: AFP

PHILIPPINES: Deposed Philippine president Joseph Estrada will likely travel to either Japan, France or Canada to seek medical treatment if the United States rejects a visa request, his lawyer said on Sunday.

A special antigraft court last month gave the 66-year-old former president permission to leave detention and undergo surgery on his arthritic knees in the United States.

But it appears the U.S. Embassy may not grant him a visa, forcing him to look for alternatives, lawyer Noel Malaya said.

Estrada is to leave later this month but has to return by the end of March, according to the court.

State prosecutors have appealed the ruling, arguing that Estrada may not return to face charges of corruption, which is punishable by death here.

A military-backed popular revolt toppled Estrada in 2001. He is charged with plundering some US$80 million from state coffers in his 30 months in office. -- AFP

View JSON | Print