Senator Estrada, wife flying to US for medical exam

As the government moves to cancel his passport and those of his coaccused in the plunder complaint in connection with the pork barrel scam, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has scheduled a trip to the United States this week.

Estrada indicated that he and his wife, Precy, were going to the United States to get a second opinion from American doctors regarding a lump in her breast.

“I have a scheduled trip to the United States next week because I will seek a second opinion on the medical condition of my wife,” Estrada said over radio station dwIZ on Saturday.

Asked if the government’s bid to cancel his passport might affect his plans, Estrada said, “Hindi naman siguro. I hope not.”

On when exactly he was leaving, Estrada wasn’t forthcoming with details.

But he said he would be back before Senate sessions resume on Nov. 17.

“No more.  There’s still no case,” Estrada said when asked if he saw a need to get a travel clearance from the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

He said he also didn’t plan to get a travel authority from Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“I will be using my regular passport,” he added.

Reached later for further comment, Estrada said he might hold a news conference before he leaves.

“The lump was discovered one or two weeks ago,” he said to indicate that the trip had been planned even before the issue of the cancellation of his passport cropped up.

Estrada said he had already coordinated with the doctors they would be meeting with in the United States.