[JURIST] Ousted Philippines president Joseph Estrada [BBC profile] maintained his innocence Tuesday and predicted he will be acquitted of corruption charges when the verdict in his six-year trial [JURIST report] is handed down Wednesday. Estrada was removed from power in a 2001 revolt that brought his former vice president, current Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo [official website] to power. He has been held in detention in the Philippines [JURIST news archive] ever since his ouster. He has been charged with mass corruption under the nation's economic plunder law for allegedly stashing some $77 million in gambling payoffs, kickbacks and illegal commissions in secret bank accounts under an alias.

Estrada supporters are expected to rally Wednesday outside the Manila courthouse where the former leader has been on trial, and the government has placed security forces on alert. ABC Australia News has more. CNA has local coverage.