Estrada challenge thrown out

Estrada faces corruption charges

The Philippine Supreme Court has affirmed that the country's new leader, Gloria Arroyo, is the legitimate president.

It has also ruled that her deposed predecessor Joseph Estrada cannot invoke immunity if the new government brings charges against him.

Gloria Arroyo welcomed the ruling

Mr Estrada, who is facing investigation for alleged corruption and economic plunder, had asked the court to declare he was still the legitimate president and therefore immune to lawsuits.

The former movie star fled the presidential palace on 20 January amid a military-backed popular uprising following the sudden collapse of his impeachment trial on corruption charges.

But Mr Estrada said he had not resigned when he left the palace, and Ms Arroyo was only the acting president.

However, the court was unanimous in pronouncing Ms Arroyo's legitimacy.

"Estrada has effectively resigned by his acts and statements," Justice Reynato Puno said in a written ruling.

Nine of the 13 judges in the hearing also voted to strip Mr Estrada of immunity while four reserved their judgment.

Charges

Ms Arroyo welcomed the court's decision, which observers believe will restore investor confidence.

"To say that we are pleased is an understatement," her chief of staff Renato Corona said.

A popular uprising toppled Mr Estrada

"The victory is not only for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but the entire nation. We've never been bothered by this and we've always been confident we would win the case," he added.

Mr Estrada has been accused of hiding an unexplained fortune worth up to $400m, in secret bank accounts and mansions built for his mistresses.

Government lawyers were due to file charges against Mr Estrada last month, but the Supreme Court gave him a reprieve while it assessed his challenge.

The charges include economic plunder - a crime punishable with the death sentence.