The Philippine government has formally urged the Ombudsman to file plunder charges against former president Mr Joseph Estrada for enriching himself in office, a crime punishable by death.
The Department of Justice said in a statement that it had recommended to the Office of Ombudsman that the case should go ahead based on the affidavit of Mr Mark Jimenez, a close business friend of Mr Estrada, which alleges that the deposed leader amassed ill-gained wealth during his 31-month presidency.
The Ombudsman, who has the sole power to file charges against errant government officials, must first examine the evidence before deciding whether or not to formally file charges in the country's anti-graft court.
Mr Estrada, who faces investigation over six other cases of alleged graft and corruption, has petitioned the Supreme Court, stating he is still the legitimate president and therefore immune from lawsuits.
The Supreme Court is likely to rule by mid March on his petition. The court on February 21st has also put in place a 30-day freeze order on the Ombudsman from filing any criminal charges against the former president.