Estrada trial judge gets death threat

The judge presiding over the corruption trial of President Joseph Estrada of the Philippines has received a death threat.

The judge, Hilario Davide, read sections of the letter -- which accused him of being anti-Estrada -- out to the court.

He then told the court that he would perform his duties to the best of his abilities even if it meant sacrificing his own life.

The letter was written on stationery from the office of the Vice President Gloria Arroyo, but Mr Davide said he didn't believe the letter had come from her office.

Earlier, the senate threatened to charge a friend of Mr Estrada with contempt of court unless he answers allegations that he covered up bank accounts allegedly used by the president to store millions of dollars in bribes. The friend, Jaime Dichaves, has been summoned to appear by Monday to explain why he claimed ownership of the bank account.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service