Philippines sets Estrada impeachment case rolling

MANILA, OCT 23: The Philippine lower House has set in motion an impeachment case against President Joseph Estrada and leaders promised an ...

MANILA, OCT 23: The Philippine lower House has set in motion an impeachment case against President Joseph Estrada and leaders promised an impartial hearing of charges that he took bribes from illegal gambling syndicates.

Estrada told local officials he was ready to confront the accusations against him and added: “Many baseless charges have been made against me. What is saddening is that people immediately judged me, when even a criminal is given his day in court.”

He scotched rumours he would declare a state of emergency to curb opposition to his rule. “There is no such plan,” he said.

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As Estrada struggled to survive the worst crisis of his 28-month presidency, the military tightened security around its headquarters in Manila and banned all commanders from issuing statements critical of the government.

The government rejected all bids at its weekly auction of treasury bills as banks quoted rates about twice as high as those accepted last week.

Speaker Manuel Villar set the impeachment case rolling by formally including it in the order of business of the House of Representatives, which means the House committee on Justice could begin hearing the charges against Estrada.