Sanlakas said among its witnesses is Villar's former lawyer Restituto Mendoza.

Mendoza earlier gave ABS-CBN News an exclusive interview outlining what he claims is Villar's modus operandi in his real estate business.

The lawyer said the scheme involves bribing judges and government officials to swing decisions on problematic land cases in Villar's favor.

Mendoza earlier filed an illegal dismissal case against Villar.

Villar's lawyers have, in turn, filed a disbarment case against Mendoza as well as criminal charges--for blackmail, slander and extortion.

Sanlakas's plunder charges come in the heels of presidential candidate Joseph Estrada's revelation on Thursday of an alleged manipulation of the stock market by rival Villar back in 2007.

Former President Estrada claimed Villar earned billions in an irregular transaction involving the shares of his holding company Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc..

The camp of Villar, meanwhile, hits back at Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, saying the two are peddling lies.

Villar's lawyer, Nalen Rosero-Galang, challenged Estrada and Enrile to produce evidence that Villar manipulated the stock market.

Rosero-Galang said the public offering of the shares of stock of Vista Land & Lifescapes was done in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Regulation Code and the rules of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

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