Deposed Philippine president Joseph Estrada resumed testifying in his economic plunder trial yesterday as the anti-graft court banned both sides from speaking to the media about the politically charged case.
Estrada is accused of amassing US$80 million from state coffers and bribes while in power, but the film star-turned-politician has denied the charges, which triggered his overthrow in a popular revolt in 2001.
Estrada's lawyer dismissed prosecution claims that 130 million pesos (US$2.54 million) in tobacco taxes were delivered to the politician's house.
Borrowing a phrase made famous in the successful defense of US football star O.J. Simpson in 1995, Rene Saguisag said it was impossible to fit such a large quantity of cash into four boxes: "If it does not fit, acquit," he said.
Estrada called the prosecution's star witness a liar on the allegation.
In his second testimony at the trial, Estrada and his defense team sought to discredit the key witness, Ilocos Sur provincial Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, claiming Singson was the one who pocketed money earmarked for state projects.
In previous testimony on March 22, Estrada claimed he was framed with "trumped-up charges" that led to his downfall during massive street protests.
Yesterday, Estrada turned the tables on his former associate, Singson.
Estrada said a reenactment at the Central Bank showed that the money could not fit inside four boxes.
"That just goes to show that he is a liar," Estrada told the court.
But Singson later told AP that he never testified that the entire sum could fit in the boxes. He said he gave Estrada only 70 million pesos directly, and that the rest went to Estrada's wife, Senator Luisa Ejercito, son Jinggoy and an Estrada associate.
Singson said 70 million pesos could fit into four boxes.
Still popular with poor voters who swept him to power in 1998, Estrada's testimony has attracted plenty of media attention, and the court banned both sides from giving interviews which could whip up tensions among the former president's supporters.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is trying to paper over divisions from the 2001 uprising, backed by generals, Catholic bishops and powerful families, which ousted Estrada and propelled her to power.
If convicted, Estrada, 68, could be sentenced to death. But most analysts expect he would be sent to prison or given a pardon by Arroyo to cool the political temperature.
"The case is running smoothly. This is good, for the people will know that I have done nothing wrong," Estrada told the trial, which was attended by former members of his Cabinet.
Dozens of Estrada supporters gathered outside the court, calling for his release and the arrest of Arroyo, whom they see as an illegitimate leader.
Known during his presidency for his "midnight Cabinet" sessions with drinking and gambling buddies, and for fathering children with several women, Estrada is one of the most colorful figures in the rambunctious world of Philippine politics.
Currently kept under house arrest at his villa east of Manila, Estrada only began giving testimony in his five-year trial last week.
He is expected to spend six to seven weeks testifying, and it will be another three months before the two sides wrap up arguments.
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