NEWSFLASH

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DOLPHY PRAYS FOR ERAP

Makati City, Aug. 20, 1998 - Dolphy offered prayers for President Estrada who came for an emotional visit at the Makati Medical Center where the Comedy King is recuperating.

"Lagi kitang ipinagdarasal na sana ay makayanan mo ang lahat ng intriga (I always pray that you will stand steadfast in the face of intrigues)," Dolphy said, lamenting that Mr. Estrada has been President for just a month and a half but already subjected to a barrage of criticisms.

President Estrada, who stayed for 15 minutes exchanging pleasantries with Dolphy and his lady love, Zsa Zsa Padila, thanked the comedy king for his prayers, saying he needs them to give him strength.

The President said he considers Dolphy an extraordinary person who has made people laugh amidst the daily struggles brought by poverty as well as helped the less unfortunate.

Dolphy, whose generosity has become legendary, assured the President, who has expressed concern for his health, that he has been doing fine since his heart bypass operation last July 30 and was scheduled for discharge tomorrow, Tuesday.

But the Chief Executive, who brought four boxes of apples, grapes, pears and oranges, advised Dolphy to take it easy and extend his rest.

Dolphy said the President, who was an award-winning actor before he became a full time public servant, has always been a true friend and champion of the masses.

Dolphy was operated on by a team of heart surgeons headed by US-based Dr. Jorge Garcia of the Makati Heart Foundation, the same specialist who attended to former President Ramos when he went under the knife due to a problem with his carotid artery in December 1996.Dr. Garcia's other famous client is Imelda Marcos.