Mr Estrada was forced from office amid mass protests in Manila in January 2001

Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, the chief prosecutor, said: "Even if he (Estrada) rejects them, they will still sit there to protect his rights as an accused unless he appoints others."

Hearings are due to restart on 15 March when the court will hear a petition filed by Mr Estrada to be allowed to travel to the United States for knee surgery.

Kickbacks

Prosecutors allege Mr Estrada violated banking laws by using a false name, Jose Velarde, to maintain a secret bank account.

They say he plundered the country's coffers, stashing away millions of dollars in payoffs from gambling operators and kickbacks from government financial transactions.

Mr Estrada, the former movie star who lost power 13 months ago, has denied any wrongdoing.

He admitted on Tuesday he signed Velarde on bank records but claimed bank officials prodded him to do so.