Ousted President Joseph Estrada, who once pulled off the biggest election victory in Philippine history, was judged "guilty beyond reasonable doubt" of plunder, and sentenced to serve up to 40 years in prison.
Witnesses said the former leader cried when he heard the verdict on Wednesday after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks in office.
Estrada was convicted of plunder - a capital offense - though the death penalty was abolished in June last year. He was acquitted of perjury for allegedly falsely declaring his assets. With credit for time served in detention, it was unclear when he might be eligible for parole.
In the meantime, the court allowed Estrada to return to his Tanay, Rizal resthouse, instead of being hauled off to prison.
Estrada, who called the verdict "a political decision" by "a kangaroo court," was also ordered to forfeit a mansion and more than P731 million ($15.5 million; euro11 million), plus interest, that were deposited into two bank accounts.
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