KARUNA SHINSHO, ASIA TONIGHT: We begin in the Philippines, where a former president is out on bail as he awaits a court hearing on corruption and perjury charges. Joseph Estrada's arraignment is set for May 17. He turned himself in to the anti-graft court this afternoon after it ordered his arrest. Atika Shubert has more.</s>ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The law is bearing down on former Philippine president Joseph Estrada. The country's anti- graft court issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of graft and perjury. It is believed to be the first time a former Philippine president has been issued an arrest warrant. Mr. Estrada is alleged to have accumulated more than U.S. $80 million in kickbacks and payoffs during his two and a half years in office. Mr. Estrada has denied any wrongdoing. In keeping with procedure, he surrendered himself to the court, accompanied by his lawyers and family members. He was able to avoid time in jail by posting bail of U.S. $800.</s>JOSE FLAMINIANO, ESTRADA'S DEFENSE LAWYER(through translator): This is the procedure, and we have to follow the procedure. So we will do everything we can to protect the rights President Estrada.</s>SHUBERT: But the former president still has six more charges to fend off, including the charge of economic plunder, a non-bailable offense punishable by death. Mr. Estrada still has a long legal battle ahead. Atika Shubert, CNN.
Former Philippine President Estrada Has Long Legal Battle Ahead