Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada

The testimony capped five years of court proceedings that he hopes will vindicate him after the actor-turned-politician was toppled in a 2001 "people power" revolt.

"These are trumped-up charges, a frameup," the 68-year-old Estrada said when questioned about kickback allegations.

"That's a pack of lies," he added when asked about an allegation that he sought kickbacks from tobacco excise taxes in one province. "I don't have the conscience to steal money intended for farmers."

Prosecutors allege Estrada amassed about 4 billion pesos ($77 million) in illegal gambling payoffs, tax kickbacks and commissions stashed in secret bank accounts under the alias "Jose Velarde." He also faces a perjury charge.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 1, 2006
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