Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada turned up unshaven and in slippers yesterday at the start of his trial on charges of economic plunder and said he was a victim of "judicial terrorism."
The three-judge bench rejected all his appeals for a waiver from appearing personally at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, the first time a Philippine head of state is facing trial on criminal charges.
They then ordered the trial to begin although the former president had no counsel present. If convicted, Estrada faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.
"You can see already that I cannot get a fair trial," a visibly irritated Estrada said before leaving at the end of the day's proceedings.
None of Estrada's lawyers on record were present -- they said the date for the trial was set without their consent -- and the former president rejected counsel appointed by the court. That lawyer also said he did not want to represent Estrada.
Nevertheless, the first prosecution witness, a vice chairman of gaming firm Belle Corp, took the stand and will continue testimony when proceedings resume on Oct. 17.
Prosecution lawyers said the witness would testify that Estrada forced two state pension funds to buy into the company in exchange for commissions of 189 million pesos (US$3.7 million).
Estrada told radio stations in the morning that he would not appear and that he was being tried by a "kangaroo court."
But finally, he walked in about an hour late at 2pm after being advised by counsel not to resist police who had been ordered to bring him by force if necessary.
Ousted in a "people power" revolt in January, Estrada, 64, is accused of economic plunder for allegedly amassing more than 4 billion pesos (about US$78 million) during his 31 months in office.
The former movie star, who has denied the charges against him and been in police custody since April, told the judges that he did not have to be there.
"Forgive me for my attire," said Estrada, who was dressed in a crumpled beige trouser, a T-shirt and a beige jacket. In contrast to his usual matinee idol image, he was unshaven and was in leather slippers.
"I was not prepared."
Hundreds of pro-Estrada loyalists protested outside the court, claiming the former president was being victimized. Scores of policemen were on guard, but there was no violence.
Estrada, seated in the front row of the court, repeatedly walked up to the bench and appealed to be allowed to leave.
"No, you cannot go," said Associate Chief Justice Anacleto Badoy, the chief judge. "Enough time has been wasted already."
Estrada also sharply criticized the start of proceedings since none of his counsel were present.
"This involves my life, liberty and honor. I have a right to get counsel of my choice."
At one point, he said: "This is judicial terrorism."
Estrada also faces charges of graft, perjury and illegal use of an alias which will be heard separately by the Sandiganbayan.
In the plunder case, Estrada is accused of taking 545 million pesos in bribes from illegal gambling syndicates, pocketing excise taxes intended for tobacco farmers and receiving hefty commissions from stock market deals involving state firms.
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