Manila - The oldest newspaper in the Philippines shut down its presses yesterday as it accused people close to President Joseph Estrada of trying to muzzle the country's media. The Manila Times announced its temporary closure amid an escalating battle between Mr Estrada and newspapers he had accused of wrecking his reputation and the country's among investors.
Hours after the last issue hit the streets, staff said they had received calls from readers that police and unidentified men had seized thousands of copies of the newspaper from stands. Police denied any role and said they would investigate.