Deposed Philippine leader Mr Joseph Estrada has asked the Philippine supreme court to stop an investigation into his alleged criminal offences. He is claiming immunity as president.
Mr Estrada, ousted from office on January 20th in a popular revolt, told the court he remained the incumbent president of the Philippines and as such was immune from prosecution.
The former actor filed the petition with the as the government ombudsman began its preliminary investigation of charges against him ranging from corruption and bribery to economic plunder - a charge which carries the death penalty.
Reuters