Estrada sets new terms to attend trial

Former president Joseph Estrada has issued three new demands in order to continue to appear at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court to face his $78 million plunder case filed against him by the government early this year.

He called for the abolition of the anti-graft court's special division, which was created to handle his case.

This was in response to his claim that many of the prosecutors at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court were against him.

He also called for the granting of bail to his son, former San Juan Mayor, Jinggoy Estrada, a co-accused in the plunder case. Estrada vowed not to pursue his appeal for house arrest as long as the court allows Yolanda Ricaforte, Charlie "Atong" Ang, and Jaime Dichavez to return to the country to testify on his behalf.

The three associates have escaped to the U.S. after the abrupt ending of his impeachment trial in the senate late last year.

The Philippine government has called for the repatriation of Estrada's three associates.
Earlier, Estrada dismissed his nine defence lawyers.

He also refused the court-appointed lawyers from the public attorney's office. Ricaforte is Estrada's alleged auditor for the collection of bribe money from nationwide operators of the illegal numbers game.

Ang allegedly assisted Estrada in the laundering of the tobacco excise tax which was forced to be divested in favour of the former president, by former Ilocos Norte governor, Chavit Singson. Dichaves allegedly arranged stock transactions for Estrada's benefit.

Meanwhile, members of the People's Movement Against Poverty will hold a rally in front of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City where Estrada is detained, on his 65th birthday on April 19.

Estrada said he would spend his birthday in detention and would not request a reprieve. Estrada's supporters also lined up activities to mark the first anniversary of Edsa 3, the failed attack of mostly urban poor followers, at the presidential palace on May 1.

At least three died and scores were hurt in the foiled attempt which almost toppled President Gloria Arroyo.

The event will be commemorated from April 25 to May 1, with members of the urban poor groups protesting the recent oil price increases, the impending power and water rate hikes, and the demolition of urban poor communities.