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Filipino legislators have sounded the alarm over an allegation by Texas-based Strategic Forces Inc (Stratfor) that the U.S. is preparing for a forward base in Basilan, southern Philippines.

About 115 Congressmen have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into 64 cases of human rights violations which affected 67 members of the leftist party-list Nation First (Bayan Muna) from February last year to April this year.

A congressman has called for the removal of any elected or appointed public official who is found to have benefited from the proceeds of drug money or received contributions or donations from convicted drug traffickers.

Former president Joseph Estrada's spokesman yesterday said the deposed leader might change his mind about refusing to recognise his ongoing trial by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, but only if the tribunal shows some sign of good faith in handling hearings for plunder and other corruption-related charges.

An adviser to ousted president Joseph Estrada is asking the anti-graft court to summon columnist Amando Doronilla to shed light on the mutiny charges against Defence Secretary, Angelo Reyes, and three retired generals accused of launching a coup d'etat against the former leader.

A woman judge has vowed to fast-track the $80.3 million plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada, following a Supreme Court ruling which paved the way for the creation of a special anti-graft court to handle the case.

The anti-graft court yesterday allowed former president Joseph Estrada to undergo a cataract surgery following an appeal by his lawyers.

Defence lawyers have opposed the anti-graft court's plan that deposed leader Joseph Estrada should be transferred to a jail in suburban Quezon City while he is undergoing trial.

Former president Joseph Estrada's secretary Lucena 'Baby' Ortaliza has asked former First Lady, Loi Ejercito, to help her get a lawyer, following reports that the prosecution will include her in the plunder charges against the ex-president.

The presidential palace yesterday denied reports of fresh efforts by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reconcile with deposed leader Joseph Estrada.

The legislative committee finalising the absentee voting bill has agreed to include a provision that will allow votes to be counted immediately abroad.

Jailed President Joseph Estrada became melodramatic and said he would lose his knees to arthritis since the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court would not allow him to go to the U.S. where he could undergo surgery.