Former President of the Philippines Joseph Estrada says he will appeal against the life sentence handed down today by a special anti-graft court in Manila.

The 70-year-old had expected that the special court would acquit him, instead it found him guilty of illegally gaining about $100 million during his presidency.

The court ruled against him on four charges, including diverting tax funds and taking kickbacks.

The actor and singer turned politician has described the proceedings as a "kangaroo court" and since his impeachment and force from office in 2001 has maintained his innocence saying the case against him was politically motivated.

During the trial, Estrada has been under house arrest at his villa on the outskirts of the Philippines capital.

He will remain there until the authorities decide whether to send the former movie star to a more secure facility.