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January 9, 2001, Sun Star, Joker: Loi should explain P8-M check deposits,

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January 9, 2001, Sun Star, Joker: Loi should explain P8-M check deposits,

MANILA -- President Estrada's wife was urged Sunday to explain the source of checks deposited into her bank account, which was examined by prosecutors in the impeached leader's trial.

Prosecutors submitted Friday to the Senate impeachment court copies of two checks totaling P8 million they found deposited in Luisa Ejercito's bank account at Citibank.

The check was issued by Estrada's chief accuser, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson, who earlier confessed to the court that he delivered millions in bribes from illegal gambling syndicates to the President over two years.

Prosecutors said the amount was not reflected in the couple's declared statements of assets and liabilities, in violation of an anti-graft law.

"The check has been deposited to the First Lady's account. That is evidence. She cannot deny she received the money. She should explain how that money was deposited in her account," senior prosecutor Rep. Joker Arroyo said over radio dzRH.

The defense panel had asked to be given until Monday to study the document, the latest bombshell dropped by the prosecutors in Estrada's landmark trial.

Earlier, they had presented a witness who claimed Estrada maintained millions in a trust account with the Equitable PCI Bank under a different name, which was allegedly built up from illegal activities.

Estrada, 63, was impeached by the House of Representatives in November. He is accused of bribery and corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the constitution. If found guilty on any of the charges, he will be removed from office.

Singson, the prosecution's star witness, also last month testified that the First Lady received a share of the P130 million in kickbacks allegedly pocketed by Estrada from tobacco excise taxes.

Estrada said Saturday he could not speak for his wife, stressing the case was with the impeachment court. However, he said the accusations were cooked up by the opposition in connivance with big business in a bid to oust him.

Defense lawyer Sigfrid Fortun Sunday insisted the alleged secret bank account and the P8-million check were immaterial to the case against Estrada.

"Right now, there has been no evidence that would lead to guilt," Fortun said.

Estrada's trial enters its 17th day Monday. (from wires)

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