Thursday, April 27, 2006 (Philippines)

Former president Joseph Estrada acknowledges media as he leaves the Sandiganbayan courtroom. Testifying at his five-year-old plunder trial, Estrada denied allegations that he established the Muslim Youth Foundation to launder proceeds from illegal gambling.(AP photo) Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña designated Plaza Independencia at the pier area as a “freedom park” where people can hold rallies without any permit. This was in response to the Supreme Court (SC) directive giving local government units 30 days to identify such areas, after it ruled as unconstitutional President Arroyo’s calibrated preemptive response (CPR) policy on rallies. Militant and cause-oriented groups who have been congregating on Colon St. and other areas to hold demonstrations should not fret. [full story]