Former Philippines president jailed despite popular support

MANILA, Philippines - Just three months ago, Joseph Estrada was living in the luxury of the presidential palace. Yesterday, his home became a spartan jail cell, despite the efforts of thousands of backers who tried to block the ousted leader's arrest for allegedly pocketing $82 million in kickbacks and payoffs.

An angry crowd stoned police who cleared a path yesterday to escort Estrada from his home. Thousands more protested outside the nearby police base where he was fingerprinted and had mug shots taken. His was the first arrest of a Philippine leader on corruption charges.

Estrada, who defiantly maintained his innocence and insisted he never gave up the presidency, left home accompanied by his wife - a Senate candidate - and son Jinggoy, also arrested yesterday on plunder charges. The offense carries the death penalty, although it is considered unlikely to be imposed.

"I find it oppressive," the former action film star said moments before being locked in for the night at the two-story concrete-block jail at Camp Crame, the main police base. "I could not imagine this happening to me. But it's here. I am not losing hope."

Estrada and his allies appeared to be hoping for his once-powerful core of supporters among the poor masses to take to the streets by the tens of thousands, as opponents did in pressuring him to leave the presidential palace on Jan. 20.

After the Supreme Court stripped away his presidential immunity, Estrada was indicted April 4 for allegedly taking $82 million in kickbacks and payoffs during 31 months in office.