Sandigan OKs Erap b’day bash in Tanay

The Sandiganbayan granted yesterday afternoon the request of detained President Joseph Estrada to hold a party today at his 15-hectare rest house in Tanay, Rizal for the celebration of his 68th birthday.

In a two-page resolution, the justices of the anti-graft court’s special division said they allowed the request despite the objection of Chief Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio, because a party has always been held every year to celebrate Estrada’s birthday since he was detained on plunder charges in 2001 and his police custodians have assured his safety.

The Sandiganbayan said Estrada can receive guests from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take "adequate measures to ensure the safety and security" of Estrada.

Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Francisco Villaruz and Diosdado Peralta also ordered PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao to "coordinate" with court sheriffs, led by Ed Urieta, in ensuring Estrada’s security and to comply with conditions the court has imposed.

The magistrates said Estrada’s movements, as well as those of his visitors, shall be "limited" to three areas in the property — the rest house itself, the pavilion and the chapel.

Communication devices that will be used by Estrada and his visitors "shall be under the authority of the detailed PNP security," according to the Sandiganbayan, which also banned "media, and all other interviews... except upon order of the court."

The request made by Estrada’s lawyers, led by former senator Rene Saguisag, was bolstered by the visit made by actress Susan Roces and other show business personalities last April 12 because it "did not result in any security problem," as earlier guaranteed by the PNP.

Each year since he was deposed in 2001, the graft court has granted Estrada’s request to celebrate his birthday with his family, friends and political allies. His birthday celebrations have taken place in detention, first at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City and later at Camp Capinpin just across the Tanay rest house.