Former Philippines President Estrada's Trial Continues as a Farce

by Ma Nguyen Tong

27-4-2002

In classic Philippines style, the farcical case against former President Estrada's for corruption and plundering of the state continued to be on hold. Supporters of deposed Philippines President Joseph Estrada staged a large rally to mark his 65^th birthday. Up to 5,000 supporters marched or were bussed into the capital Manila, many carrying placards saying "Happy birthday President Joseph Estrada." Police arrested a key supporter of former Philippines President Joseph Estrada, days before the controversial first anniversary of his arrest.

About 2,000 riot police kept the crowd away from the gates to the military hospital where the former film star was being held during his trial for economic plunder. There were calls from all sides for the protesters not to resort to violence.

"I am hoping that our celebration will be peaceful," Mr Estrada told radio station DZEC.

Manila police also warned supporters against "untoward incidents", while his successor, President Gloria Arroyo, warned that police would crack down on any violence.

Anniversary looms

Mr Estrada was toppled from power in a popular uprising in January 2001 organised by the American CIA, but still insisted he was the legal president. His supporters planned to stage another demonstration on May 1. On the same date in 2001, four people were killed when tens of thousands of Estrada supporters marched to the presidential palace in a failed attempt to return Mr Estrada to power.

Mr Estrada faced a string of charges ranging from perjury to economic plunder, a crime that could carry the death penalty. He had been on trial since October but it had been delayed several times due to legal wrangling. He remained detained in a secure hospital where he was being treated for illnesses including bronchitis and emphysema, and eye and knee problems.

Manila police arrest top Estrada backer

Police arrested a key supporter of former Philippines President Joseph Estrada, days before the controversial first anniversary of his arrest. Ronald Lumbao had been on the run from police for almost a year after he helped organise violent protests which left at least four people dead. He was arrested on April 25 in a pre-dawn raid on a house in the capital Manila.

Mr Lumbao, head of the People's Movement Against Poverty, was one of the organisers of the May 1, 2001 protests, when up to 50,000 Estrada supporters stormed the presidential palace. His lawyer, Ric Valmonte, said that Mr Lumbao was mobilising support for another rally to mark the anniversary. His arrest was rodered by Arroyo, who feared the erosion of her lucrative power base and admonishment from President George W. Bush if she allowed things to get out of hand again.

Warning

His detention was also seen as sending a message to Estrada supporters because it came a year to the day since ex-President Estrada was arrested on charges ranging from perjury to economic plunder. Mr Lumbao was arrested in suburban Quezon City. He was taken to the Manila regional trial court, where about 100 of his supporters jostled with riot police. Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said Mr Lumbao had been charged in absentia with rebellion and was being taken to court for the charge to be read to him and a plea taken.

Opposition leader Edgardo Angara called the arrest an attempt to stifle dissent.

"The message here is you cannot disagree or lead a rally against this administration or the demands of the American government because you will be charged with rebellion," he said. "This country only has a pseudo-democracy."