Surprise witness stuns Estrada trial

The picture looks bleaker for Estrada now

A surprise witness has stunned the impeachment trial of Philippine President Joseph Estrada by testifying that the president signed bank documents under a false name.

When he signed his name I just couldn't believe that he signed his name as Jose Velarde

Clarissa Ocampo

Clarissa Ocampo, a senior vice-president of Equitable PCI Bank, said she personally saw Mr Estrada sign the name Jose Vallaha or Jose Velarde.

She said she was "just a foot away" when Mr Estrada signed documents authorising $10m of investment using money from the account.

"When he signed his name I just couldn't believe that he signed his name as Jose Velarde," said Ms Ocampo.

The testimony is some of the most damaging so far for the president, who is charged with bribery, corruption and betrayal of public trust.

The prosecution's case has been based on the president using a bank account under a false name to illegally acquire a large house for one of his mistresses.

Witness 'at risk'

Prosecutors asked for special permission to present Ms Ocampo. They also said her life may be in danger.

There have been strong calls for Estrada to resign

"We are worried about this witness," prosecutor Joker Arroyo said.

"The prosecution will not say the president will do harm to her. But unfortunately in our situation, supporters of the president may do what we fear might be done."

Mr Estrada's lawyers strongly protested against Ms Ocampo giving testimony, arguing that what she had to say was irrelevant.

But they were overruled after a long debate by the 22-member Senate, which is acting as the jury in the trial.

Handwriting evidence

The name Jose Velarde and the secret bank account has cropped up continually in the 12 days of the trial.

Mr Estrada: Under trial on charges of corruption

At the start of the trial, the prosecution produced a cheque for 142 million pesos signed in that name, arguing that the handwriting appeared to be similar to the president's.

Prosecutors say the money originated as bribes from illegal gambling syndicates, which were paid to the president.

Mr Estrada, the first Asian president to face an impeachment trial, will be removed from office if two-thirds of the Senate find him guilty.

The trial was sparked by allegations from a former ally that Mr Estrada took more than $8m in bribes and embezzled $2.6m in tobacco taxes.