He is appealing against the court's decision and will not lose his seat in Parliament if he is successful. The River Hongbao Carnival was officially opened yesterday. It will be on until 28 Jan 2001 and is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors. The Istana grounds will be open to the public on Thursday, the second day of Chinese New Year, from 8.30am to 6.30pm. Entry to the grounds is via the main gate in Orchard Road.
Admission is free for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
The SAF Chinese Orchestra, as well as bands from St Andrew's Secondary, Chua Chu Kang Secondary and Dunearn Secondary, will perform in the afternoon. President Joseph Estrada's government virtually collapsed yesterday, following waves of defections by senior military officials to the opposition and resignations of key Cabinet members. Under the Philippine Constitution, Mrs Arroyo becomes President automatically should Mr Estrada leave office.