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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Ousted president testifies in his 5-year-old plunder trial (9:50 a.m.)
MANILA -- Ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada resumed his defense testimony in a five-year-old plunder trial Wednesday, and was expected to deny charges that he stashed ill-gotten millions in a secret bank account.
Estrada, 69, who was forced out of office during massive street protests in 2001, has dismissed as lies the charges that he amassed about P4 billion (US$77 million; euro63 million) from illegal gambling payoffs, tax kickbacks and commissions.
He also faces a perjury charge for allegedly underreporting his assets in 1999.
His yearslong trial, frequently interrupted by the former leader's medical treatment for his eyes and ailing knees, entered a final stage this year with Estrada's appearance as defense witness.
The prosecution rested its case in 2003 after presenting 76 witnesses and more than 1,500 pieces of evidence.(AP) |
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