JOSEPH ESTRADA ON PRISON

Genesis 39:20

Viewing the 1769 King James Version. Click to switch to 1611 King James Version of Genesis 39:20

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

MANILA, Philippines — Deposed President Joseph Estrada was convicted and sentenced to life in prison Wednesday after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks in office.

Estrada, a former action film star who once pulled off the biggest election victory in Philippine history, was ousted in January 2001 by the country’s second nonviolent “people power” revolt.

Estrada was convicted of plunder — a capital offense — though the death penalty was recently abolished. He was acquitted of perjury related to allegations he falsely declared his assets.

Estrada’s son Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and lawyer Eduardo Serapio were co-defendants in the case but were acquitted of plunder charges.

Estrada called the verdict “a political decision” by “a kangaroo court.” He was also ordered to forfeit a mansion and more than $15.5 million.

“This is the last chance for the state to show that we can do it, that we can charge, prosecute and convict a public official regardless of his stature,” special prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio said. “It shows that our judicial system really works.”