Prosecutors form four probe teams

The 11-member House panel that will prosecute the impeachment case against President Estrada organized itself last night into four working groups.

Misamis Oriental Rep. Oscar Moreno, a panel member, told reporters that each of the four will handle a specific charge against the President.

"We have convincing evidence that will warrant the conviction of Mr. Estrada," he said.

Named overall prosecution manager was Minority Leader Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (Lakas, Quezon City).

Deputy Minority Leader Sergio Apostol will handle the bribery charge which revolves around the President’s alleged receipt of jueteng money from his former gambling and drinking buddy, Gov. Luis "Cha- vit" Singson of Ilocos Sur.

He will be assisted by Representatives Salacnib Baterina of Ilocos Sur and Roan Libarios of Agusan del Sur.

Makati Rep. Joker Arroyo will be in charge of the mansions, illegal wealth and the tobacco tax kickback. He will be assisted by Moreno.

Rep. Raul Gonzalez of Iloilo City will handle the BW Resources stock manipulation fraud, in which Mr. Estrada allegedly intervened on behalf of his friend Dante Tan.

His assistants will be Representatives Oscar Rodriguez of Pampanga and Clavel Martinez of Cebu.

The last accusation of nepotism, conflict of interest, assignment of so-called "hot" cars, and appointment of some Cabinet members and Palace officials to multiple positions will be handled by Rep. Wigberto Tañada, with Rep. Antonio Nachura of Western Samar as his assistant.

The accusations are embraced under the general headings of corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution in the articles of impeachment against the President.

Moreno said the lawyers of the private complainants and volunteers from big law offices will assist the four working groups.

He said there will be "cross postings" if necessary, meaning one group could be asked to assist another. – Jess Diaz