http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news2_sept13_2007
Estrada gets life sentence for plunder in 6-year trial By Macon Ramos Araneta DEPOSED President Joseph Estrada was sentenced to life in prison yesterday after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks in office. Estrada was convicted of plunder-a capital offense-though the death penalty was recently abolished. He was acquitted of perjury for allegedly falsely declaring his assets, and with credit for time served in detention, it was still unclear when he might be eligible for parole. Estrada, who called the verdict "a political decision" by "a kangaroo court," also was ordered to forfeit the "Boracay Mansion" in New Manila, Quezon City, and more than P731 million, plus interest, that were deposited into two bank accounts. "This is the last chance for the state to show that we can do it, that we can charge, prosecute and convict a public official regardless of his stature," Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio said. "It shows that our judicial system really works." Riot police and troops kept hundreds of flag-waving Estrada supporters several blocks from the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court, which the former action film star inaugurated before he was ousted in January 2001 by the country's second "people power" revolt. Security also was very tight around the presidential palace as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo worried about a repeat of violent protests that followed Estrada's arrest in April 2001. Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye appealed for calm. "We hope and pray that the rule of law will prevail," Bunye said. "Meantime, we have a country to run, an economy to grow and a peace to win. We hope that this sad episode in our history will not permanently distract us from this goal." Two co-defendants-Estrada's son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and lawyer Eduardo Serapio-were acquitted of all charges. Estrada, wearing a cream barong, slumped in his chair as the verdict was read by clerk of court Teresa Pabulayan. He later vowed to appeal. "I disagree with the findings and conclusions of the court. These conclusions, however, did not come as a surprise to us," he said, urging his supporters to stay calm. "Against the advice of my friends, I submitted myself to the judiciary believing that the case would be tried on its merits," he said before being flown by helicopter back to his luxurious compound, where he will remain under house arrest for now. "This is the only forum where I could tell the Filipino people my innocence. That's why I took a gamble. I thought the rule of law will prevail over here. This is really a kangaroo court. This is a political decision." The proceedings before Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro, and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Francisco Villaruz Jr. lasted only about 10 minutes, with the clerk of court being asked to read only the verdict from the 211-page decision. De Castro said in view of his former high position, Estrada would be allowed to serve his time in his rest house in Tanay, Rizal, instead of in jail. Estrada was accused of illegally amassing about P4.1 billion in bribes and proceeds from illegal gambling, and falsely declaring his assets. The trial ran from October 2001 to June 15 this year. Estrada has denied the charges and accused Mrs. Arroyo of masterminding his removal in a conspiracy with leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and senior military officers. "Let the Estrada verdict serve as a stern warning against the current occupants of Malacañang who may end up with the same fate," the leftist group Bayan said in a statement. "The President and her close associates have been accused of systematic corruption on a far bigger scale than Estrada." Estrada, who earlier rejected any suggestions of a pardon by Mrs. Arroyo, said he felt he had been acquitted by the people with the victories of candidates he backed in mid-term elections earlier this year. Jinggoy Estrada had predicted some kind of conviction for his father. "If they'll acquit him, the first question of the people would be, what will happen to the sitting president?" he said during an interview with dzBB radio, referring to Mrs. Arroyo being sworn in as Estrada left the presidential palace. "Her legitimacy would be questioned again. A lot of things would have to be undone if that happens. So in my opinion, they will really convict... even without evidence." After the verdict was read, the younger Estrada refused to comment, repeatedly shaking his head and covering his face with his right hand as his eyes welled with tears as he followed his father out of the courtroom. Serapio also declined to comment. Outside the court, several hundred people stood in the rain waving flags and banners in support of the deposed leader. "That is not the will of the poor. He is my president," cried street vendor Loretta Barras, 55, as colleagues calmed her down. "He is the people's president, set him free!" Estrada, who made his name in more than 100 movies over three decades, cultivated an image of the everyday man who spoke broken English and was a champion of the poor despite his own personal wealth. Thousands of troops were on high alert yesterday and extra forces placed on standby in military bases around Manila to aid police if necessary. Schools near the court were ordered closed, and Mrs. Arroyo was advised by her security staff to remain in the palace. National Police Chief Oscar Calderon warned Estrada supporters not to incite others to take to the streets. "Stop enticing them to do anything that will disrupt the peace and order," he said, reacting to statements by Jose Alcuaz, who earlier warned of another uprising if Estrada was found guilty. The Armed Forces said they would not go off red alert, even though pro-Estrada rallies remained thin. With Dennis Carcamo, Jaime Pilapil, AP, AFP [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Post message: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] List owner : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/ Yahoo! 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