Estrada’s trial presents logistical nightmare

“I am very happy because I will be a part of history unfolding,” says Barbo, who will sign and issue summonses and administer oaths to witnesses. “I will be one who will swear-in the President if he should testify in person.”

But he is worried because, for starters, the six-storey Senate building that sits on the shores of Manila Bay must make room for the trial’s huge cast of characters.

The Supreme Court Chief Justice, who will preside at the trial without voting rights, Estrada’s defence lawyers, and the 11-person prosecution panel of the House of Representatives will each have to have a room. Witnesses must be provided a holding area.

But the largest working space — an entire wing of the second floor, apart from a briefing lounge — will go to the media.

Scores of Filipino radio stations, television networks and newspapers are expected to have reporters at the trial. In addition, over 50 wire agencies, broadcast networks and newspapers are members of the Foreign Correspondents Association.

Since a Senate committee started hearing preliminary charges that Estrada received huge payoffs from illegal gambling syndicates, about 130 Filipino and foreign journalists, photographers and camera crewmen have swamped the Senate.

The gallery of the session hall where the trial will be conducted can at most seat 200. On the narrow, fenced wings, only media pools of at most 30 persons could be allowed, says Senate public information officer Rodrigo Vicencio Sr.

Security deserves attention as well. About 200 Marine soldiers provide perimeter security for the Senate and reinforcements may be in order.

As during last month’s committee hearings, Barbo anticipates that critics and allies of Estrada and the witnesses will hold rallies and camp out in the Senate parking lot.

On the one hand, citizens must be given a chance to watch the proceedings. On the other, herds of journalists and cameramen could turn the trial into a circus.

But Senate President Aquilino Pimentel says he wants “utmost coverage possible” for the trial “so the senators will know that they are before the Klieg lights and the eyes of the people are on them”.