Former Philippines president gets life term

It was the latest step in the plunge from the pinnacle of power for Estrada, a popular action film star who scored the Philippines8217; biggest-ever election victory in 1998 and vowed during his inaugural address that his loved ones wouldn8217;t benefit even one cent from his post. He even inaugurated the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court that convicted him.

Estrada, ousted in January 2001 by the country8217;s second 8220;people power8221; revolt, was convicted of plunder and acquitted of perjury for allegedly falsely declaring his assets. He is expected to challenge the verdict. With credit for time served in detention, it was unclear when he might be eligible for parole, or whether he will spend time in prison, be allowed to continue living under house arrest in his own villa or even be granted a pardon.

Estrada also was ordered to forfeit a mansion and more than 731 million pesos plus interest, that were deposited into two bank accounts.