Philippines' Estrada marks fifth year in detention as trial resumes

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2006

MANILA (AFP) — Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada marked his fifth year in detention by returning to the witness stand to defend himself against charges of massive corruption.

The former leader is accused of plundering a personal fortune of up to 80 million dollars, allegedly from gambling proceeds and from kickbacks on excise taxes on tobacco. He is also accused of maintaining secret bank accounts and for under-reporting his wealth.

He was ousted by a popular revolt in January 2001 and arrested exactly five years ago when he was handcuffed and treated like a common criminal.

But Estrada, 69, in a statement said he has learned to forgive those whom he charged to have conspired to illegally oust him from office.

"It was during these five years...