Estrada in new corruption probe

Prosecutors said today they were investigating former Philippine President Joseph Estrada for allegedly plundering millions while in office.

Estrada, who left the presidential palace under the pressure of mass demonstrations on Saturday, has 10 days to file an affidavit in response.

While the top charge technically carries the possible death penalty, it was considered extremely unlikely that the former film star could face execution by lethal injection.

Government ombudsman Aniano Desierto told a news conference that the preliminary investigation would take 60 days and involve six charges: plunder, malversation (misuse of funds), violations of the anti-corruption law, perjury, bribery and possession of unexplained wealth.

Economic plunder is defined as stealing from the state. There are different categories, with different sets of penalties, depending on the amounts of money involved. The most serious is a capital offence.

At the time of his departure, Estrada was facing an impeachment trial on corruption charges. It was suspended last Tuesday when the entire prosecution team walked out after the senators acting as judges decided to bar access to bank documents contained in a sealed envelope.

The prosecutors claimed the documents would have proved Estrada enriched himself by millions of dollars during his term that began in 1998 and that the tribunal’s decision proved they would not be able to get a fair verdict.

The Senate decision sparked immediate non-stop protests that swelled daily.

Estrada reportedly tried to negotiate concessions before leaving the palace under pressure, with tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside after he failed to meet a deadline set by the opposition for him to go.

Desierto said investigators would use all of the proceedings at the Philippines’ first impeachment trial and would request access to the envelope in question.

Estrada’s legal status remained murky. He reportedly did not sign an official resignation when he left office and Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in to replace him.

No order was immediately issued barring Estrada from leaving he country, but his name was put on a ‘‘watch’’ list at the country’s airports.