MANILA, Philippines — Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada has contracted the coronavirus on Monday morning, his sons said. In a Facebook post, former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said his father was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was rushed to the hospital on Sunday night. Former Sen. JV Ejercito also made a separate Facebook post asking prayers for their father. Estrada, 83, served as the president of the country from 1998 to 2001 until his ouster in the wake of corruption allegations. The Sandiganbayan convicted Estrada of plunder in 2007, but his successor former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted executive clemency to Estrada, restoring his civil and political rights.

Source: Philippine Star March 29, 2021 02:26 UTC