Estrada allowed to bathe in 'miraculous fountain'

The Sandiganbayan anti-graft-court allowed former president Joseph Estrada a day to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Centre (VMMC) in suburban Quezon City for a "miraculous bath" in a nearby healing centre for the treatment of his gout.

But the 65-year-old Estrada, who has been suffering from arthritic knees and eye problems, said he was putting off the trip to attend a Senate inquiry into an alleged anomalous power contract.

"The court merely concedes considerations befitting a former highest official of the land," said the Sandiganbayan, adding its ruling is for "humanitarian reasons".

On Monday, Estrada was to go to the Mother Ignacia Healing Centre for a bathe in a fountain of spring water, which is believed to have miraculous healing powers.

Policemen were to accompany Estrada and he was to brought back to the VMMC by nightfall.

The decision was not in violation of the constitution which does not allow people with criminal cases to be out of jail, said the Sandiganbayan in response to criticism that only rich criminals are granted the right to leave their cell for various whimsical reasons.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan allowed Estrada to undergo eye treatment at the Manila Eye Centre in Rockwell, a posh village in the financial district Makati.

Many observers said the ruling would be a prelude to more dramatic concessions that would allow Estrada to spend Christmas with his family, and for him to be under house arrest as requested recently by various sectors.

President Gloria Arroyo earlier said she would not oppose a house arrest for Estrada, but added the ruling will depend on the Sandiganbayan. But Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said Congress must first amend the constitution, which considers plunder a heinous crime. Earlier, politicians and the influential Catholic Church supported calls for Estrada to be placed under house arrest.