Former President Joseph Estrada has tested negative for COVID-19 but remains in the hospital, his eldest son said Tuesday.
The 83-year-old Estrada who was intubated and placed under intensive care due to his COVID pneumonia can soon be transferred to a regular hospital room, his son former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said.
"We are happy to announce that my dad continues to improve and we expect that he can be transferred to a regular room soon. His repeat RT-PCR (swab test) is now NEGATIVE!," the younger Estrada said.
The former president has also been allowed to resume a soft diet but is still on "high-flow oxygen support but at a much-reduced rate," his son said.
"Mentally, he is oriented, conversing normally and appears to be in good spirits," the younger Estrada said.
Erap to his supporters, Estrada is the only Filipino movie star to be elected to the presidency, forever blurring the line between politics and showbiz in a democracy where popularity and image are the main selling points.
“I am a risk-taker, okay? Like in the movies, I’ve always been the underdog, but in the end, I always win," Estrada said during the 2010 presidential campaign, when he nearly won after his first term was cut short by a popular revolt dubbed EDSA Dos.
WHAT WENT BEFORE:
Former President Estrada's Condition Improves, Taken Off Ventilator
Ex-Pres. Estrada, Battling COVID, is in Stable Condition, Says Son
Ex-President Estrada on Ventilator as COVID Worsens, Says Son
Former President Estrada in ICU for COVID Pneumonia
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