Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada was returned to a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) due to a lung infection following a bout with COVID-19, his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, said Friday.
“We wish to announce that my father had a slight setback last night, as his doctors found a superimposed bacterial lung infection,” Jinggoy said in a Facebook post.
Jinggoy said his father’s condition remains stable, but he had to be transferred back to a regular ICU “for monitoring and support of his blood pressure, which fluctuated due to the said infection.”
“But overall, he is stable with high flow oxygen support,” he said.
Earlier this week, Jinggoy announced that the 83-year-old former president and mayor of Manila and San Juan had already tested negative for COVID-19 and appeared to be in good spirits.
Also a former Vice President and senator, Estrada will turn 84 on April 19.
Last Tuesday, Jinggoy reported the former leader was finally negative for COVID-19.
“We are happy to announce that my dad continues to improve, and we expect that he can be transferred to a regular room soon,” Jinggoy posted on Facebook.
“His repeat RT-PCR (swab test) is now NEGATIVE!” he added.
Jinggoy said his father is still on high flow oxygen support but at a much-reduced rate and has been allowed to resume a soft diet.
The former President was awake, conversing normally and “appears to be in good spirits,” he added.
“We thank everyone for their continuous support and love and ask that you continue to pray for him and others who are afflicted with this awful and dreaded disease,” Jinggoy said.
On March 29, Jinggoy announced that his father was COVID-19 positive. At one point, the former movie star had to be placed on mechanical ventilation as his pneumonia had worsened, but his condition eventually stabilized.