Deposed President Joseph Estrada waves before he leaves the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in suburban Quezon City on Wednesday. Estrada, who once pulled off the Philippines' biggest election victory, was sentenced to life in prison after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks in office. (AP photo)
MANILA -- Malacañang said the guilty verdict on the plunder charge against former President Joseph Estrada signifies a vindication for the Arroyo administration and justifies the Edsa People Power 2 of January 2001.
The Sandiganbayan on Wednesday sentenced Estrada to life imprisonment for the plunder charge but acquitted the ousted leader of perjury case. Estrada co-accused in the perjury case, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and lawyer Edward Serapio, were cleared of the charge.
MANILA -- More than half of Filipinos had expected former President Joseph Estrada to be acquitted of plunder and perjury charges, but if found guilty, 84 percent want him to be pardoned, the September 2 to 5 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Board (PB) has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance allowing municipalities and barangays to get more share from the lucrative sand quarry business.
