Estrada signed under false name: witness

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, DEC. 23. The troubles of the Philippines President, Mr. Joseph Estrada, have deepened with a prosecution witness saying that he signed under a false name in her presence.

Ms. Clarissa Ocampo, vice-president of the Equitable PCI Bank, said in her testimony to the Senate trial: ``When he (the President) signed Jose Vellarde, I just couldn't believe it. He did not sign his real name. So, I decided not to authenticate his signature.''

The transaction, according to the witness, was to invest 500 million peso ($ 10 millions) with a private company.

Earlier, the prosecution had claimed that the signature of ``Jose Vellarde'' on a 142 million peso cheque was similar to the signature of Mr. Estrada. The cheque amount had been allegedly used to buy a mansion for one of the President's mistresses.

According to available information, the 500 million peso investment is 14 times the amount Mr. Estrada declared in his 1999 statement of assets and liabilities.

Ms. Ocampo's deposition was not without drama. The prosecution, which sprang a surprise, said she had to testify immediately since her life could be in danger. There were divisions in the Senate tribunal, but finally she was allowed to give her testimony, which is perhaps the most damaging so far.

In response, Mr. Estrada has said he did not ``know her'' (Ms. Ocampo). He did not comment further when asked for a response by mediapersons.

In his weekly radio show, the President said his Christmas wish for the country was a speedy end to his impeachment trial. The trial process, which has adjourned for the Christmas vacation, will resume on Jan. 2.

Mr. Estrada said he wanted the nation to have a ``speedy trial of my impeachment so that we can go back immediately to work because right now, everyone has been left hanging and no one can concentrate.''

Refusing to comment on the new evidence, the President said anything he might say could prejudice his case.

Mr. Estrada reiterated that he was ready to testify, adding that he was, however, bound by the advice of his lawyers on the issue. So far, his lawyers had not advised him to testify.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Occupation blues still haunt South Lebanon
Next     : Serbian poll off to a slow start