MANILA.- The country's biggest legal drama and political thriller comes to a climax today when the Sandiganbayan hands down its verdict on the plunder and perjury case against deposed president Joseph Estrada.

And with a Supreme Court ruling allowing live coverage via its camera, the country -- and the world -- can follow the 9 a.m. proceedings as they unfold at the anti-graft court's special division, a three-member bench created to try Estrada for allegedly amassing P4.1 billion in ill-gotten wealth, including payoffs from illegal gambling, tobacco tax kickbacks, and stock trading commissions.

It will actually be up to Estrada, whose trial began in 2001, and his lawyers to either prolong or abbreviate his agony in the courtroom.

According to Sandiganbayan sheriff Ed Urieta, an accused has a ''right'' to have his verdict read to him in full. In some cases, the court can just shorten the promulgation by limiting the reading to the ''dispositive portion'' which states whether the accused is guilty or acquitted.

Urieta said up to ''four lawyers'' have been assigned to take turns reading the verdict, in case there will be a full reading.

Three seats facing the bench will be specially placed at the center of the courtroom's aisle for Estrada, his co-accused son Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, and former presidential assistant, lawyer Edward Serapio.

For security and order, the courtroom gallery will accommodate only 125 people, Urieta said.

Any other cameras or audio recording devices are prohibited. Bottled beverages will also be banned.

Urieta said the Estrada camp had asked at least 26 seats to be reserved for the ex-president's family and supporters, including former members of his Cabinet.

Senator Estrada, who has been out on bail since 2003, also made a separate request for seats for seven fellow Senators.

The office of the Ombudsman, the agency which prosecuted Estrada, wanted up to 37 seats. It's ''guest'' list included Estrada's nemesis and prosecution star witness Luis ''Chavit'' Singson.

As added precaution, the Sandiganbayan also suspended work today except for personnel directly involved in the promulgation.

At least two ambulances and two medical teams will be on standby near the courthouse, Urieta said.

Estrada will be transported to the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City by land from his Tanay, Rizal, vacation estate, where he has been under house arrest, as early as 7 a.m. He will be riding in his own vehicle.

A source said that should Estrada be convicted, he will be whisked away from the courthouse in another vehicle to be provided and driven by the Philippine National Police.

According to Urieta, the three justices deciding Estrada's fate have been under 24-hour security ''for the last 10 days'' and will remain so for several days after judgment day ''depending on our assessment.''

The special division is chaired by Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro. Its members are Associate Justices Francisco Villaruz Jr. and Diosdado Peralta.

Several more justices -- who have since retired, were transferred or promoted -- heard the Estrada cases in the last six years.