Doctors remove Erap from ventilator support

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Joseph Estrada was removed from ventilator support yesterday as his condition improved, according to his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada.

“We are extremely happy to announce that my father has now been removed from ventilator support although he continues to require a high flow of oxygen,” Jinggoy said in a medical bulletin posted on his Facebook account.

“While we thank his doctors for their excellent care, we give all the credit to Our Lord Almighty and enjoin everyone to continue praying for my father,” he added.

Jinggoy said his father still has a long way to go “before he is completely out of danger and we hope that he continues to fight with his usual tenacity as only Erap can.”

Earlier yesterday, Jinggoy said his father was responding well to treatment and his organ functions remain stable.

Estrada, who is turning 84 on April 19, was rushed to the hospital last week due to COVID-19 infection and severe pneumonia.