VMMC still best for Erap, government insists

Government lawyers are insisting that the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City is the best place for ousted President Joseph Estrada if he is moved out of his sprawling villa in Tanay, Rizal.

"They (defense lawyers) are the ones who have insisted on that (Estrada’s transfer to Tanay)," said Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio.

" It is not a problem of the prosecution. The nearest place is still VMMC," he said.

Defense lawyers had ealier asked the Sandiganbayan’s special division to allow Estrada to be transferred to his home on Polk street in North Greenhills Subdivision in San Juan so he can prepare for his court appearance and meet potential witnesses.

The special division has given the prosecution until Nov. 7 to study the defense’s proposal to have Estrada moved to his Polk street home, and to file their opposition.

Retired Manila fiscal Jose Flaminiano, one of Estrada’s lawyers, said an initial 30 days’ stay on Polk street would allow Estrada to better prepare for his defense.

The defense panel has presented more than 70 witnesses and at least a month would be needed by lawyers to brief Estrada on their testimonies, he added.

Saguisag told reporters that Estrada’s return to the VMMC would have a "chilling effect" as conversations between Estrada and his lawyers could be subject to electronic surveillance and eavesdropping.

Potential witnesses could be convinced to testify if they are given the chance to meet Estrada in person and are assured by him that their testimonies are indeed valuable, defense lawyers said. — Mike Frialde