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 MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Former President Joseph Estrada sharply denied Wednesday that he took huge kickbacks in office, defending himself against corruption charges and defiantly telling an anti-graft court that he was framed.
With hundreds of his backers rallying outside, Estrada's testimony capped five years of court proceedings that he hopes will vindicate him after the 2001 "people power" revolt that toppled him.
"These are trumped-up charges, a frame-up," the 68-year-old Estrada said when questioned about the kickback allegations. "I've never asked for commissions. I don't have the conscience to steal money intended for farmers."
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