Arroyo backs court order for Estrada's trip to US

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Arroyo backs court order for Estrada's trip to US

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Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said through her spokesman Wednesday that she supports the anti-graft court's order allowing deposed president Joseph Estrada to seek medical treatment in the United States.

Arroyo has called for humanitarian compassion and welcomed the independent action of the court, Ignacio Bunye said in a statement,adding, "We should not mix up the rightness and nobility of thingswith politics."

"The court acted in its independent and enlightened judgment after a close study of the issues and thought this was the most judicious course of action. We respect the decision of the court,"Bunye stressed.

According to the court order, Estrada should leave Manila for the United States within 10 days after the issuance of the writ, and is obliged to return to the Philippines on or before March 31 next year.

The former president was also asked to deposit a bail of 1 million pesos (18,000 US dollars), and submit a "personal undertaking" promising the court that he would return to the country after a knee surgery.

Four Philippine policemen will escort the ousted leader throughout his trip.

Estrada, toppled in a People's Power Revolution in January 2001for alleged corruption, was recently diagnosed with arthritis of the knees and a slipped disc in his spine.

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