Deposed Philippine president jailed for life

Deposed president Joseph Estrada, who once pulled off the Philippines’ biggest election victory, was sentenced to life in prison today after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks in office.

Estrada was convicted of plunder – a capital offence – though the death penalty was recently abolished. He was acquitted of perjury for allegedly falsely declaring his assets. With credit for time served in detention, it was unclear when he might be eligible for parole.