Former Philippines President Estrada's Trial More of a Farce

by Ma Nguyen Tong

31-1-2002

In classic Philippines style, the most prominent person on trial for corruption and plundering of the state, was allowed to hold a lavish Christmas party, despite being in jail. Other, more common prisoners, do not enjoy such priviledges. However, the guards watching former Philippine President Joseph Estrada were replaced after allowing him to hold the lavish party. The former move star was on trial charged with plundering $80 million during his 30-month rule that ended in January 2001.

He was being held a held at a military hospital in the capital Manila and if convicted he could face the death penalty.

Mr Estrada invited 50 guests to a party at the hospital December, where he handed out gifts and held a raffle. The prizes were included flights to Hong Kong, television sets and washing machines. When the government found out, the security guards were replaced.

"The old set of guards failed to observe procedure," said Interior Secretary Jose Lina. "They have already been removed and relieved and transferred to other assignments." The director-general of the national police, Leandro Mendoza, said police were looking into the incident.

"This is a clear violation of specific instructions from my office and also from the court, so we are conducting an investigation right now," he said.

Perks curbed

Security was stepped up and Mr Estrada was no longer allowed to use a mobile phone. The previous guards had allowed the former president to give personal interviews to journalists. But Mr Estrada's lawyer, Raymond Fortun, said that had now been curtailed, describing the move as "cruel".

In December 2001 the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court hearing Mr Estrada's case turned down his request to spend Christmas at his suburban Manila mansion. It also rejected his request to be placed under house arrest.

Mr Estrada's presidency ended amid a military-backed popular uprising, which replaced him with President Gloria Arroyo. The corruption trial began in October, but had faced frequent delays after a series of legal rows, including the sacking of judges.

The trial resumed on January 7 following a three-week break. Mr Estrada, 64, had recently undergone eye surgery and was not in court.

In addition to the more serious plunder charge, Mr Estrada was also charged with perjury and for illegally using an alias to hide his wealth. Mr Estrada denied all the charges against him, saying they were politically motivated, which is partly true in that the reason he was brought down was he was not properly sharing his ill-gotten gains with the economic and political elite. Such people have long knives which they will use if not let in on the spoils.