Had ANC (OK, let's include CNN and BBC) been around 2,000 years ago, we would have had the following report

A carpenter's son was sentenced to die in Jerusalem after he was convicted guilty of treason and inciting to sedition.

Our Middle East correspondent is on the field to bring us a live report: So what's the latest ?

Tension is high as people wait for the arrival of Jesus and two thieves convicted to die here in Mt. Calvary this afternoon.

Jesus is bearing a cross where he will be crucified. The crown of thorns on his head is sure sign of torture, and it was said he was tortured heavily which included scourging.

Jesus, who claims to receive Divine Instructions, was arrested by Roman soldiers Wednesday evening after a party with his close associates in Gethsemane. He was tipped off by Judas the Iscariot, finance officer of Jesus' Gang of 12, known internationally as The Apostles.

Sources from the Palace however say Judas was bribed by the Sanhedrin, or high priests, led by Caiaphas and Anas, to stand witness against his friend.

It is also alleged that Jesus is among the leaders of the Essenes and is building a mass base to form a new religion which will be called Christianity to challenge the faith of the Jews.

These high priests, did they say what specific offenses Jesus committed?

Among many other things, the Sanhedrin say Jesus worked on the Sabbath and perform unauthorized miracles, including changing water into wine.

It must also be remembered that Jesus made a scene when he threw a tantrum in the temple and turned over the tables used by the money-changers and vendors.

He was also seen talking to a crowd and inciting them to rebel against Judean authorities in his speech popularly known as The Beatitudes.

And the high priests found those acts worthy of capital punishment?

No. The high priests have no authority. What they did was send Jesus to Governor Pontius Pilate who sent him to Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee. I understand they have a question on Jesus' citizenship and they concluded he was Galilean so he was sent to Herod Antipas.

That's interesting. Isn't this the same Herod who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist? And Pilate, representative of Rome is not necessarily in good terms with Herod, is it not?

Yes to both questions.

It is safe to say there's a lot of power play here. In sending Jesus to Herod, Pilate is testing Herod's adherence to Roman supremacy. Pilate is actually luring Herod into a trap. But Herod refused to bite.

From the information we have, Herod mocked Jesus by asking him to perform a miracle. When Jesus refused, Herod sent him back to Pilate for Rome to determine guilt and the necessary punishment.

Pilate had to preside over the trial. It was learned that Pilate held some kind of a referendum when, following the tradition of releasing a prisoner during Passover, he asked the people who they want to be released - Jesus or another insurrectionist, Barabbas. The people chose Barabbas.

Pilate was quoted as saying he doesn't believe Jesus is guilty but that the people have spoken. Instead, he washed his hands to free himself of guilt.

We have to cut you short to give way to a breaking development from our DZMM reporter. What's the latest?

Reporter (in Filipino):

Salamat . Now let's go back to Mt. Calvary where Jesus and the thieves who will be crucified with him have just arrived.

Our Middle East correspondent is still there. What is happening now?

You're right. The mood has become so emotional especially when Jesus met his mother, Mary and his rumored to be paramour, a woman also called Mary.

It is not known if Jesus has other brothers or sisters, but his mother is accompanied by some men, identified as James and Joseph. Also with them is one of Jesus' friend, John.

The Roman soldiers nailed a sign on the cross that says King of the Jews, apparently to better mock Jesus who is said to have claimed he is the son of God.

I think Jesus is saying something. Let's try to listen to him.