Estrada's Sealed Bank Documents OpenedThe Philippine Senate on Wednesday opened bank records which prosecutors alleged during the impeachment trial of deposed President Joseph Estrada would show he amassed millions of dollars in ill-gained wealth.A decision by the Senate impeachment trial on January 16 barring the opening of the bank records triggered public outrage, culminating in a people power revolt that toppled Estrada. Estrada, who has been accused of graft and corruption, was forced from office on January 20. His vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was sworn in as his successor. The move to open the records held by Equitable-PCI Bank came after Estrada had appealed to the impeachment court before he was toppled to open the documents to save the constitutional process. The Senate plans to hand over the documents to the Ombudsmen investigating the charges against Estrada. |
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