Erap can't vote in San Juan, only in Tanay

The Sandiganbayan on Friday ruled that detained former President Joseph Estrada won’t be allowed to vote in his own polling precinct in San Juan on May 14 due to security reasons. The Sandiganbayan special division said Estrada can vote but only through a special arrangement wherein a poll official will bring a blank ballot and a ballot box to his Tanay, Rizal resthouse, where the deposed leader is being held while facing plunder and perjury charges. Estrada’s co-lead counsel, Rene Saguisag, filed a motion seeking permission for the former President to vote in San Juan only minutes before the close of office hours on Thursday. Saguisag apologized for the late filing, citing his heavy work schedule. Prosecutors objected, saying the motion was a violation of the rule that requires the prosecution and defense panels to furnish each other the motions at least three days before the pleadings are set for hearing. The Sandiganbayan cited the prosecution’s argument that the Philippine National Police would have its hands full during the elections and thus be unable to provide security in transporting Estrada from Tanay to San Juan and back. Estrada, popularly known as "Erap", has been under detention in the past six years, since shortly a few months after he was ousted in the January 2001 “EDSA 2" people power uprising. -GMANews.TV