Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada was sentenced to life in prison yesterday after an anti-graft court found him guilty of plunder.
Fears that a guilty verdict could trigger widespread street protests and possible riots in Manila seemed misplaced. Pro-Estrada activists staged scattered low-key demonstrations in the city of 12 million people but all were peaceful.
The 70-year-old movie star, ousted from power in an army-backed revolt in 2001, listened to the judgment impassively but showed a flash of spirit afterwards.
"I thought the role of justice would prevail here but really it's a kangaroo court," Estrada, wearing a traditional Filipino dress shirt and his trademark wristband, told reporters. "This is a political decision."
The verdict also barred the former president from ever holding public office again.
Estrada was not immediately jailed. The court allowed him to return to his villa, east of Manila, to remain under house arrest until further orders. He is to appeal against the verdict, and the case will also come up for automatic Supreme Court review.
Outside the courthouse, around 300 supporters waved banners and made anti-government speeches but remained peaceful.
The crowd was far smaller than the thousands predicted and riot police sent to guard against them snacked and chatted. Some sat down, their shields by their sides.
Estrada was charged with plunder, made up of four counts of corruption, involving diversion of funds amounting to about 4 billion pesos ($85 million).
Estrada was impeached for corruption in 2000 and was ousted after the impeachment trial collapsed in the Senate.
Source: China Daily/agencies
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