Estrada says he was framed in graft case

With hundreds of his backers rallying outside, Estrada's testimony capped five years of court proceedings that he hopes will vindicate him after he was toppled in a 2001 "people power" revolt and put on trial for the capital offence of plunder and other charges.

"These are trumped-up charges, a frame-up," the 68-year-old Estrada said when questioned about the kickback allegations. "I've never asked for commissions. I don't have the conscience to steal money intended for farmers."

Prosecutors say Estrada amassed $77 million in illegal gambling payoffs, tax kickbacks and commissions stashed in secret bank accounts under an alias. He also faces a minor charge of perjury for allegedly underreporting his assets in 1999.

Estrada's impeachment proceedings broke down in January 2001 when prosecutors were barred from presenting what they called a critical piece of evidence. Within hours, people began massing for protests that forced him to leave the presidential palace.