Former President and actor Erap Estrada guilty of plunder

Former President and movie star Joseph "Erap" Estrada was meted a guilty
verdict and sentenced to "reclusion perpetua," or jail up to 40 years,
on plunder charges by the Sandiganbayan.

He was found "not guilty," however, on perjury charges.

"What is important is the support of the people, and they have
overwhelmingly acquitted me. This is a political decision," Estrada said
after the sentence was read.

The former actor was accused of violating Republic Act No. 7080 for
allegedly receiving protection money from jueteng operators; diverting
tobacco excise tax shares; receiving kickbacks from a corporation on
stock purchase; and maintaining a "Jose Velarde" bank account worth
billions.

The penalty for crime of plunder means imprisonment from 20 years and
one day to 40 years. His perjury charges stemmed from charges that he
allegedly made a false declaration in his 1999 Statement of Assets,
Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, an Estrada ally and a lawyer, said
that under the Penal Code, the six years of house arrest of Estrada at
his Tanay estate will be deducted from his term of imprisonment. The
ousted president will be allowed to stay in his Tanay resthouse until
further notice.

The lawyers of the former President have agreed to appeal the case to
the Supreme Court. They have 15 days to file the appeal.

His other co-accused, his son Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and his former lawyer
Edward Serapio were acquitted on plunder charges.

Additional reports by GMA News.

Source: PEP
By: Paul Mata
Dated: Sept. 12, 2007