Estrada faces perjury trial

A judge ordered former Philippines President Joseph Estrada to be arraigned today for perjury, rejecting a last-minute bid by his lawyers to have the charge thrown out and stirring fears his supporters could cause trouble.

Defence lawyer Rene Saguisag had argued Estrada should not be tried for perjury because that allegation would be covered by the charge of economic plunder that the former action film star is to face later.

Justice Francis Garchitorena disagreed, saying Estrada must stand trial on both counts. Estrada’s arraignment on the non-bailable capital offence of plunder has been put off until July 10.

The court also turned down a request from police to hold Estrada’s arraignment away from the Sandiganbayan where authorities fear mass protests by Estrada’s supporters.

Police had hoped to hold any arraignment in a hospital where Estrada has been undergoing medical treatment and tests, but the court said they had not proven this was necessary.

They were stepping up security today outside the courthouse and also outside the presidential palace, where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has warned of possible efforts to destabilise her government.