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Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Estrada 'completely prepared' to testify: spokesman
MANILA -- Detained former President Joseph Estarada is "emotionally, physically, and mentally prepared to face his accusers" as he takes the witness stand Wednesday at the Sandiganbayan Special Division trial of his plunder and perjury cases, said his spokesman.
Former Maguindanao congressman Didagen Dilangalen said Estrada went through every page of the testimonies against him by prosecution witnesses and expressed belief that the former leader would be able to answer all the allegations leveled against him "with a straight face".
"He is very, very much prepared for this. He is in fact emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for his appearance before the Sandiganbayan Special Division," Dilangalen said in a telephone interview.
After almost five years since the cases of plunder and perjury were filed against him, Estrada finally takes the witness stand Wednesday to answer allegations he plundered over P4 billion in public funds. His testimony will commence at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The former congressman, at the same time, said he sees no problem that would occur during the hearing since Estrada is "in the pink of health."
"He had long been waiting for this day -- to defend himself from all the accusations leveled against him. I don't see any problem at all, except of course if his lawyers see any other problem (legal issues)," Dilangalen said.
Estrada, he added, is also confident that his testimony and that of the testimonies given to the court in his defense would finally acquit him of "all the trumped-up charges" filed against him by the Arroyo government.
Estrada regrets the decision of the Supreme Court not to allow the live television coverage of his testimony, which could possibly give the public the true condition or situation of his case, the former congressman added.
"He was sad about it. He was hoping the court would grant his request (for live coverage) as this is his only way of informing the public of his side," Dilangalen said.
To see if Estrada is really ready to face his accusers and the Special Division, his panel of lawyers conducted Tuesday a last-minute meeting and consultation.
But Dilangalen said all the lawyers are ready for Wednesday's trial.
The Sandiganbayan Sheriff's office, meanwhile, said all the security arrangements for Wednesday's trial had been ironed out.
Chief Sheriff Edgardo Urieta said he met with National Capital Region Police Office Chief Vidal Querol and Central Police District Command Director Radovan to work out the security arrangements for Estrada and to maintain peace and order at the Sandiganbayan premises.
Urieta said Querol informed him that 1,000 police personnel would be deployed to maintain peace and order in and out of the Sandiganbayan as Estrada commences his testimony.
At least 25 police personnel will augment the 80 personnel of the sheriff's office who are going to secure the Sandiganbayan building. (DBP/Sunnex)
(March 22, 2006 issue)
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