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OCTOBER 20, 2000 VOL. 26 NO. 41 | SEARCH ASIAWEEK Estrada Watch Since Joseph Estrada came to power just over two years ago, his presidency has been plagued by controversies. Most involve his friends and backers benefiting from business deals. Some of the low points ALSO: • All played out: Is the end coming for President Estrada? •Jueteng money: Estrada defends himself against the claims • Interview: Accuser Singson tells his side of the story
November Estrada's friend and campaign donor, Mark Jimenez, brokers Hongkong-based First Pacific's takeover of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. Jimenez is a fugitive from U.S. justice, charged with 47 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, tax evasion and concealing illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic Party. Estrada calls Jimenez "a corporate genius" for engineering the PLDT takeover. December State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. grants Best World Gaming and Entertainment Corp. the franchise to operate online bingo even before Best World registers with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no bidding for the award. Best World is owned by Estrada friend Dante Tan.
February Education Secretary Andrew Gonzalez says Cecilia de Castro, the president's cousin, tried to facilitate an $8.5 million textbook contract for an Estrada backer. October Housing czar Carina David is fired. David says Estrada uses buddies for advice.
February Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay says Estrada called him five times to ask him to clear Dante Tan of any wrongdoing in an insider-trading scandal involving another of Tan's companies, BW Resources. Estrada denies that he intervened. March Estrada fires his chief of staff, former university professor Aprodicio Laquian, after the aide says a so-called midnight cabinet decides on policies and contracts during drinking sessions. Estrada denies Laquian's claim. August The Court of Appeals dismisses a tax-evasion case against tycoon Lucio Tan, another Estrada ally, which was held over from the previous administration. October Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson says he delivered gambling payoffs totaling about $8.9 million to Estrada. Congress investigates. Estrada tells Asiaweek he did not pocket a single cent. n
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