Toilet flush gives away bluff of ‘waterless’ Erap

All they did was flush the toilet bowl.

The prosecution proved right in disclaiming the petition made by former President Joseph Estrada seeking transfer to his nearby resthouse due to alleged lack of water in his detention quarters in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

Estrada’s complaints over lack of water were literally flushed down the toilet after Sandiganbayan justices and prosecutors inspected the camp facilities yesterday. One of the justices even saw for herself the abundant water when she used the toilet during an inspection last April 20.

Journalists and court staff who used the toilets also saw there was plenty of water. Helpers in the 200-square meter bungalow were likewise seen performing some chores in the lavatory, located just beside the kitchen.

"As a matter of fact, to show that there was sufficient supply of water, the prosecution opened the faucet of the lavatory sink and water immediately flowed which was even witnessed by Justice Teresita de Castro," said Chief Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio.

The prosecution, in a five-page rebuttal, denied the request of Estrada’s lawyers that he be allowed two to three-hour daily visits at his 15-hectare resthouse due to supposed scarce water supply in the military camp where he is detained on plunder charges.

Prosecutors debunked claims made by Lt. Col. Danilo Cruz, commanding officer of Camp Mateo Capinpin in certifying that the "water system project is not expected to be completed within the next six months," until September. They also belied similar allegations made by Estrada’s chief police custodian, Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento that the camp is experiencing dwindling water supply. "He (Sacramento) admitted that there is a deep well water system within the camp," Villa Ignacio said.

Villa Ignacio reiterated to the court "there is no valid reason" for Estrada to be allowed two to three-hour daily stay at his resthouse because there is "a huge water tank than can store approximately 300 gallons of water" in the Army camp.

Villa Ignacio complained Estrada is employing all petty reasons to be granted a "resthouse arrest," which the anti-graft court denied with finality.