The Philippine Supreme Court has thrown out deposed president Mr Joseph Estrada's legal action against an anti-plunder law under which he is charged and detained without bail, officials said.
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Mr Joseph Estrada outside the courthouse this morning Photo: Reuters
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Ten justices voted against Estrada's petition, four were in favor and one abstained, assistant court administrator Mr Ismael Khan said.
"The Supreme Court said the plunder law is constitutional," Mr Khan said over local DZBB radio. "The 10 [justices] said the law was constitutional. No question about it".
Mr Estrada has been accused of plundering some $80 million during his two years in power - ended by a military-backed popular uprising in January.
He is also being tried on the lesser charges of illegal use of an alias and perjury.
His lawyers have filed a motion challenging the constitutionality of the plunder law, arguing that some of its provisions are vague.
AFP