‘Erap mocking Sandigan’

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio accused lawyers of ousted President Joseph Estrada yesterday of making a "mockery of proceedings" before the Sandiganbayan.

"This is now a mockery of proceedings," he said. "What will the court now do? The court should give them (defense lawyers) a timeframe to finish their representation."

Villa Ignacio asked the Sandiganbayan to set a timeframe for the ousted president to present witnesses during hearings.

"They have summoned witnesses but did not present them in court," he said. "This has become irritating. This is not the proper way to present your case in court."

Villa Ignacio said the special division should give defense lawyers a strict timeframe to present all its witnesses, similar to the one that was given to the prosecution.

Defense lawyers must also submit to the court the list of witnesses that they intend to excuse, he added.

Meanwhile, Villa Ignacio told reporters that it would be unlikely for the Sandiganbayan to allow Estrada’s transfer to his residence in Polk Street in Greenhills, San Juan from Tanay, Rizal, where he is currently detained.

"It has been denied twice by the Sandiganbayan," Villa Ignacio noted. — Mike Frialde