2 bank execs wanted for Estrada trial

The prosecution urged the Sandiganbayan yesterday to subpoena two bank officials to testify before the anti-graft court on the plunder cases against former President Joseph Estrada.

In two separate motions, Deputy Special Prosecutor Robert Kallos asked Sandiganbayan presiding Justice Minita Chico-Nazario to subpoena the presidents or any representatives of Export and Industry Bank, Pasong Tamo corner Buendia branch, and the Equitable PCI Bank branch both located in Makati City.

Export and Industry Bank is purchase/owner of the former Urban Bank, Urban Bank Trust Department and Urban Corp. Investments, Inc.

Kallos said the bank officials should be required to produce in court some documents indicating accounts in their banks, among others, belong to Estrada.

Kallos also asked the anti-graft court special division to require the president of Export and Industry Bank to produce the trust agreement in January 1999 indicating former San Juan mayor Jose "Jinggoy" Ejercito as trustee; Urban Bank-Trust Department as nominee of special private accounts, among other accounts.

He also requested to require the president of the Export and Industry Bank to bring to court documents pertaining to several savings accounts traced to the former chief executive.

Kallos stated that the president of the Equitable PCI Bank should bring certified true copies of statements of accounts in the name of Jose Velarde.