Erap improving, now negative of COVID, says son

Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is now negative for COVID-19, his son, former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, announced on Tuesday.

"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.

At the same time, the former President is also oriented, 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.

The former leader had to be placed on mechanical ventilation at one point as his pneumonia had worsened, but his condition has since stabilized.