Former President Takes Stand in Plunder Trial
Ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada testified in his plunder trial, hoping for vindication five years after he was toppled in a 2001 “people power” revolt. If convicted, he could be executed by injection.
“I have mixed feelings. I welcome this opportunity to present my side because I was denied that right in the impeachment trial when prosecutors walked out. I was not able to defend myself. I was convicted in the streets,” Estrada, 68, told the court.
Prosecutors allege that Estrada amassed about $77 million in illegal gambling payoffs, tax kickbacks and commissions stashed in secret bank accounts.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
