Estrada denies receiving kickbacks

(UPDATED) TESTIFYING before the Sandiganbayan today, former President Joseph Estrada denied accusations by Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson in 2000 that he received kickbacks of up to P130 million from tobacco excise tax while in office.

During the impeachment trial, Singson said P130 million went straight to Estrada and his family. Singson presented certificates from the Landbank as proof that money went to three persons: Alma Alfaro, Delia Rajas, and Eleuterio Tan.

Singson said it was around the end of August 1998 when the money was withdrawn from the bank by the three persons, as instructed by Charlie “Atong” Ang, a business associate and close friend of Estrada. He said he was at the house of Ang’s mother when he saw bags of money being delivered. He and Singson then proceeded to the house of Estrada in Polk St., Greenhills, Singson recounted, where Ang delivered the money in a “plastic bayong.”

Estrada denied this before the Sandiganbayan this morning, saying there was no way Ang could have entered the premises of his residence since the Presidential Security Group was at that time tightly guarding his home.

Estrada said he never received kickbacks from government deals even when he was still the mayor of San Juan. “Di ako humihingi ng porsyento kaninuman,” he said. Plunder, perjury, and corruption charges were filed against Estrada in April 2001, following a people power revolt that ousted him in January 2001.

Singson, who was instrumental in exposing Estrada’s alleged links to illegal gambling, was at the Sandiganbayan today at the start of Estrada’s testimony.

The trial at the Sandiganbayan this afternoon was suspended as the two parties tried to settle a confusion over documents related to a money transfer from a Landbank branch in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to another branch in Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong. The court’s documents, compared to those of the prosecution, apparently had different markings.

When asked about his relationship with Singson, Estrada denied the governor’s claim that they have known each other for more than 30 years. In his testimony on July 17, 2000, Singson said he knew Estrada even before he became mayor since his mother, Mary Marcelo Ejercito, was once producer of one of Singson’s films. Estrada said this was “a lie” because his mother has never been a film producer and that she was, in fact, against Estrada’s decision to enter showbiz.

Estrada also said he has never invited Singson to any of his birthday parties. Estrada said he and Singson were never close friends, adding that Singson was an “ordinary friend and a political ally.” A close friend, Estrada said, is someone who could be trusted and loyal. Singson, he said, could not definitely be considered as one.

Estrada thanked the Sandiganbayan for allowing him to testify in court today after five years of court proceedings.

“I feel good because I’ve been waiting for this chance to air my side. I was not able to defend myself in the impeachment trial court,” he said. “I was convicted in the streets.”

The trial started at 8:30 am today, and suspended before noon. As the trial resumed at two o’clock this afternoon, Estrada was expected to answer allegations that he received roughly P545 million in protection money from jueteng operators.

Estrada will again take the stand on March 29.