KEY POINTS:
Manila- Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada was sentenced to life in prison yesterday after an anti-graft court found him guilty of plunder and barred him from holding public office again.
The 70-year-old movie star, who was ousted from power in an Army-backed revolt in 2001, remained defiant.
"I thought the role of justice would prevail here but really it's a kangaroo court," Estrada told reporters.
He will not be jailed immediately. The court has allowed him to return to his villa until further orders.
Outside the courthouse around 300 supporters waved banners and made anti-government speeches but remained peaceful.
The crowd was far smaller than the thousands predicted. In 2001, pro-Estrada mobs tried to storm the presidential palace.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was Estrada's vice-president and was propelled to power on the strength of the charges against him, said the court's decision must be accepted.
"We hope and pray that the rule of law will prevail," her spokesman said.
Estrada's lawyer, Rene Saguisag, said: "It's victors' justice. It's ruling class justice. The special division [of the court] was programmed to convict. We never had a chance."
Saguisag said the infamous former playboy president would not try to delay his imprisonment.
"He has no intention of seeking special treatment."
Estrada will appeal against the verdict to the anti-graft court. The case will also come up for automatic review at the Supreme Court.
- Reuters
