Top Estrada counsel hurt in road accident

Manila: Former senator Rene Saguisag, who served as chief counsel for pardoned former president Joseph Estrada, was seriously hurt during a pre-dawn traffic accident yesterday that killed his wife in the financial district of Makati.

Two other companions in the vehicle were also injured.

President Gloria Arroyo immediately sent condolence letter to Saguisag.

"Let's pray for the swift recovery of the former senator and the peaceful rest of his wife, Dulce," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye quoted Arroyo as saying.

Bunye also said the president lauded Dulce for her civic work and for her stint as social welfare secretary under Estrada. She also commended Dulce for her participation in promoting breast cancer awareness.

Radio station dzBB reported that Saguisag was transferred to the intensive care unit of the nearby Makati Medical Centre after undergoing a CT scan. Saguisag is in critical condition, with injuries involving seven or eight broken ribs.

DzBB radio also said former presidents Estrada and Corazon Aquino are set to visit Saguisag.

Saguisag served as Estrada's defence lawyer in his plunder case, and as an official in Aquino's government. A a senator Saguisag was known as "Mr Clean" for his work ethics and honesty.

The Saguisags were on a Toyota Hiace Grandia van when it was hit by a dump truck on Arnaiz Avenue. Driver Phillip Calvario and Rhea Ugong, a dance instructor, were also in the vehicle when the incident occurred.

The four were reportedly on their way home after attending a ballroom dance at Mike's Cafe in Makati City.

Radio dzBB said Saguisag was with Estrada in a dinner meeting, before he went for ballroom dancing with his wife.

Doctors said Saguisag will live despite the severe injuries he sustained.

"The doctors said he is going to survive," Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Saguisag's friend and ally, said after checking on the former senator's condition at Makati Medical Centre.

The truck driver identified as Manuel Geronimo was brought to the city's police headquarters. The driver claimed he had the right of way because his lane was on green light.