Detained former President Joseph Estrada comes home today to join his ailing 100-year-old mother, Doña Mary Ejercito and family in his first New Year’s Eve celebration outside of his quarters after almost five years in detention.
Unlike in the last Christmas eve, a slightly cheerful Estrada returns home to his mother’s house on Kennedy St., North Greenhills looking forward to a longer stay with his loved ones to celebrate the holiday.
On Thursday, the Sandiganbayan considered the motion filed by Estrada’s lawyers, Rene Saguisag and Jose Flaminiano, allowing the popular opposition leader to extend his New Year’s eve pass from 24 to 38 hours.
Estrada’s wife, Sen. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada together with their son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada will lead family members in welcoming the former president from his two-and-a-half hour journey from his detention quarters in Tanay, Rizal, some 68 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila, to San Juan.
Escorted by a squad of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers and police elements from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Estrada is expected to arrive at North Greenhills at about 8 tonight.
Sheriff Ed Urieta and other officials from the Sandiganbayan will compose the advance party in fetching Estrada from Tanay to ensure that all court restrictions imposed on Estrada will be followed to the letter. Under the provisions of his pass, Estrada is not allowed to wave at the waiting crowds of loyal friends, admirers and sympathizers, nor is he allowed to deliver any message, talk to any member of media or make himself available for any media interview.
From experience, however, the restrictions will not stop TV reporters, news photographers and journalists from gathering in North Greenhills for hours this afternoon while waiting for Estrada’s arrival.
Senator Loi said her husband is looking forward to his homecoming tonight knowing he will be able to spend more time with his ailing mother.
"The weakening health condition of my mother-inlaw is my husband’s prime consideration. Just like last Christmas eve, he spent most of his time being with her and letting Mama know he is there for her," Mrs. Estrada said.
She noted the family takes pleasure from the joy on Estrada’s face each time his mother responds by calling him, "Joseph."
"For the family, it is an auspicious time. He is home at last for New Year’s eve, and outside of detention even if it is only for 38 hours," Loi said. (Brenda Piquero Tuazon)
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