In pictures: Philippines' political crisis

During December the Philippines was gripped by President Joseph Estrada's corruption trial, which began amid colourful street protests and an ailing economy.

Thousands of people oined Manila's daily anti-Estrada rallies to demand that the president resign

All kinds of groups joined the rallies, including Catholic priests, teachers, dentists and artists

Former president Corazon Aquino, (left, making a "laban" or fight sign) joined forces with the opposition

But Mr Estrada still has strong support, particularly among the rural poor, who see him as an anti-establishment hero

The prosecution panel, made up of opposition members, alleged the president is a thief and a crook

It was Governor Luis Singson, a former friend of the president, who first made the allegations of corruption and bribery

As the crisis continued, stock traders and investors have seen millions wiped off the value of Philippine markets

Estrada saw this all as a plot by his enemies and believed he would ride it out