TV coverage of Estrada trial OK with Palace

Malacañang posed no objection yesterday to the request of detained former President Joseph Estrada to have his defense trial televised if the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court would allow it.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye reaffirmed the standing policy of President Arroyo to abide by whatever decision on legal issues raised before a co-equal body like the judiciary.

"These are details that are better left to the discretion of the Sandiganbayan," Bunye said in a press briefing. "Practically all the proceedings are subject to the discretion of the Sandiganbayan. So whatever is allowed, whatever is decided on by the anti-graft court, I guess would be okay."

Estrada, who is facing a non-bailable charge of plunder, told The STAR he would be willing to bring back his original defense lawyers if the Supreme Court would allow live television coverage of his trial.

"The people should know the truth. I am innocent that’s why I am not afraid to have the trial be televised," said Estrada in a telephone interview.

Estrada’s lawyers have filed with the Supreme Court a motion to modify the ruling on video coverage of his trial when his lawyers present their evidence and witnesses.

He withdrew his earlier objection to a live coverage of the trial.

Estrada’s six-year term was cut short in January 2001 at the height of a military-backed revolt clamoring for his ouster amid charges of corruption and plunder.

Prosecutors lost no time in filing cases against him before the Sandiganbayan that saw Estrada landing in jail as his trial went on.

Estrada pulled out his defense team in 2001 as he complained of the lack of justice and fairness on the cases being heard by the special division of the anti-graft court chaired then by presiding justice Anacleto Badoy.

Estrada, who is under "resthouse" arrest in his own Tanay resort in Rizal, was originally defended by his team of lawyers led by retired Chief Justice Andres Narvasa. They were Estrada’s lawyers in his aborted impeachment trial at the Senate.

Senate President Franklin Drilon expressed support to Estrada’s appeal for live TV coverage.

"I’m in favor of it provided the Sandiganbayan regulate such coverage so that order can be maintained," Drilon said.

But Sen. Joker Arroyo stressed it would not be fair to the prosecution if the anti-graft court grants Estrada’s request.

He pointed out that the Sandiganbayan rejected a similar request from prosecutors when it was presenting its case against the deposed president.

Arroyo was one of lawmakers who prosecuted Estrada in the impeachment trial.

His view was shared by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who said: "If the Sandiganbayan had rejected the prosecution’s request, then it should take the same action on a similar petition from the defense in the interest of fairness."

Estrada’s wife, Sen. Luisa Ejercito, said her husband just wants the entire nation to hear his side in the plunder case.

Government prosecutors expressed reservations on Estrada’s request.

Since the court had junked their appeal for live coverage of their case against Estrada, prosecutors said airing their video footage instead should come before the former president’s appeal can be granted. — With reports from Jess Diaz, Delon Porcalla