Estrada accuses Aroyo of meddling in his trial

The Sandiganbayn anti-graft court was expected to hand down a verdict on the large-scale corruption case against Estrada within the month or by next month, after more than six years of trial.

"There are very strong indications that despite its avowed stance of respecting the independence of the judiciary, Malacanang (the presidential palace) is already meddling in my plunder trial and making every efforts to ensure my conviction," Estrada said in a statement.

"I was personally informed by two prominent and respected gentlemen with unquestionable probity that in their conversation with Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she will have me convicted on account of my many 'sins' against her regime," he added.

Estrada, who is still under detention, expressed hope that the Sandiganbayan judges would not succumb to the pressures from Arroyo's camp.

"I am both alarmed and saddened by this development," he said. "I can only hope that despite intense pressure from the executive branch the honorable justices of the Sandiganbayan ... will continue to uphold their sacred oaths to render jsutice without fear or favour.

"Finally, I reiterate before God and my countrymen that I am innocent of the charges against me," he added.

Estrada was ousted in January 2001 by a military-backed mass uprising over accusations that he had amassed ill-gotten wealth of about 4 billion pesos (86.9 million dollars), mostly from illegal gambling payoffs and tax kickbacks.

Plunder, or theft of public funds in excess of 1 million dollars, used to be a capital offence punishable with the maximum penalty of death, the Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006.

On Wednesday, a full-page paid advertisement came out in several national newspapers calling on the public to remain calm and avoid any kind of disorder amid the impending verdict by the Sandiganbayan.

"Whatever the decision of the Sandiganbayan - guilty or not guilty - all of us must respect it," the advertisement said.

It was not clear who or what group was behind the advertisement.

Senior aides of Arroyo said they will adhere to the rule of law and respect the court's verdict.

"We believe in the rule of law and in letting justice take its course," presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. "Both sides have been given ample opportunity to argue their case in court. At this stage, we can only await the decision of the Sandiganbayan, which we hope will uphold justice and the best public interest."//(Deutsche Presse Agentur/DPA)