Ousted President faces death penalty

Ousted Philippines President Joseph Estrada faces the death penalty after arraigned today for economic plunder.

As with his arraignment two weeks ago for alleged perjury, there was a flurry of last-minute activity aimed at quashing the case or gaining a delay.

Once again, the courts stood firm on proceeding against the former action film star accused of taking millions of pounds in bribes and kickbacks during 31 months in office.

Estrada’s co-defendants son Jinggoy, whose term as mayor of Manila’s San Juan district expired last month, and lawyer Edward Serapio also were arraigned for plunder by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.