Former president found guilty of plunder

MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- An anti-graft court in the Philippines Wednesday found former president and movie star Joseph Estrada guilty of plundering, reports said.

Local media reports said the conviction carries a maximum of 40 years imprisonment.

Estrada, who was deposed in 2001 after winning one of the biggest election victories, was, however, acquitted of a perjury charge arising from declaration of his assets. The various charges against him stemmed from accusations of corruption and taking bribes, which Estrada has denied.

Estrada also was ordered to give up his mansion in Quezon City, as well as more than $14 million. The rulings could be appealed to the supreme court.

In other decisions, the court acquitted his son, Sen. Jose Estrada and an attorney in the plunder case.

Security was tightened in the Manila area to handle any major demonstrations by Estrada’s supporters.

“We have a country to run, an economy to grow, and a peace to win," Ignacio Bunye, press secretary to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was quoted as saying. "We hope that this sad episode in our history will not permanently distract us from these goals.”