Security forces are on full alert. Estrada, trying desperately to buy time, authorizes his bank records to be opened and urges a snap presidential election in May, but fails to stop a wave of defections as cabinet members resign and the military withdraw their support. Estrada refuses to resign, Supreme Court declares the presidency vacant, and Vice President Arroyo is installed as the new president. Two and a half hours later, Estrada and his family leave the presidential palace. Ombudsman Aniano Desierto indicts Estrada for plunder and seven other related charges of graft amounting to more than P4 billion and files charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Plunder is punishable by death.
The Supreme Court throws out last-ditch appeals by Estrada for presidential immunity, clearing the way for his prosecution and arrest. The Sandiganbayan hands down an arrest warrant for Estrada on the lesser charge of perjury and diversion of public funds. Police arrested and and jailed him.