A bid by a miserable Joseph Estrada to conjure up some Christmas cheer backfired when his guards were sacked for allowing the detained former Philippine president to host a lavish party and he found himself under tight new restrictions.
Officials were not amused on learning that the former movie star, infamous for his bacchanalian excesses while in power, had thrown the party at a military hospital where he is being held while on trial for massive corruption.
Estrada's police guards were promptly sacked and replaced with a new security detail, officials said.
"This is a clear violation of specific instructions from my office and also from the court, so we are conducting an investigation right now," national police director-general Leandro Mendoza said on television.
"The old set of guards failed to observe procedure. They have already been removed and relieved and transferred to other assignments," Interior Secretary Jose Lina said. "They are under investigation as directed by [Mendoza]."
Estrada has been detained since April on charges of pocketing US$80 million during his 30-month rule.
But government prosecutors said they had learned the 64-year-old host -- who theoretically faces the death penalty if convicted -- got to play Santa Claus at his little get-together. They said the party featured a raffle at which the guests won free plane tickets to Hong Kong, television sets, refrigerators and washing machines.
One television station said more than 50 guests attended the party.
Police said the carousing was held without the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court's knowledge or authorization.
Court sheriff Edgardo Urieta said he did not know if alcoholic drinks were served, or whether the police guards had joined the party.
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