| He took P731M bribes, kickbacks while in office, according to the Sandiganbayan decision that found him guilty. Above, the former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, flanked by his wife Loi and son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.(AP photo) |
|
DEPOSED president Joseph Estrada will spend up to 40 years in prison. After a six-year trial, the Sandiganbayan yesterday found him guilty of plundering about P4 billion in tax kickbacks and bribes while in office.
But the 70-year-old former president was acquitted of perjury for allegedly falsely declaring his assets. With credit for time served in detention, it was unclear when he might be eligible for parole.
Estrada, who called the verdict “a political decision” by “a kangaroo court,” also was ordered to forfeit a mansion and more than P731 million, plus interest, that was deposited into two bank accounts.
[full
story] |
