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| Imelda Marcos / photo from ABS CBN News |
Manila, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan anti-graft
convicted Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Imelda Marcos of 7
counts of graft related to private organizations created in Switzerland when she
was a government official from 1968 to 1986.
The former first lady
was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum prison
sentence of 11 years "for each count" of graft.
30 days to explain absence
Neither Marcos nor any of her lawyers were present during the promulgation of decision. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding a public office position.
Neither Marcos nor any of her lawyers were present during the promulgation of decision. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding a public office position.
"Judgment is hereby rendered finding the accused,
Imelda R. Marcos, guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of R.A. No.
3019, Section 3(h)," Division clerk of court Liezel de Leon said, reading
the dispositive portion of the decision.
"Whereby she is sentenced in each case to suffer an
indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as minimum,
to 11 years, as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from holding public
office," she added
Marcos, on the other hand, was acquitted for three counts of
graft involving the Philippine-based foundations she supposedly had financial
ties with.
The Sandiganbayan court gave Marcos and her legal counsel,
Robert Sison, to explain their absence within 30 days, noting that the lawyer’s
office had received the notice of promulgation before the end of October.
According to lead prosecutor Ryan Quilala, the ballpark
figure of the public money involved in the private organization amounts to
US$200 million.
For issuance of warrant
By the end of the hearing, as reported by Rappler, 5th
Division Chairman Associate Justice Rafael Lagos also ordered the issuance of a
warrant of arrest against the 89-year old, Marcos.*
Meanwhile, Ombudsman lead prosecutor, and also the 5th
Division, clarified that graft case is bailable, thus, Marcos can have provisional
liberty while she is appealing the conviction. Upon settlement of bonds, the
warrants of arrest will be lifted.
The widow of late President Ferdinand Marcos and mother of Ilocos
Norte Governor Imee Marcos and former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong"
Marcos Jr., is said to be running for Ilocos Norte governor in the 2019
elections.
Quilala said that Marcos can still run until the decision of
the Sandiganbayan is final and executory.
Based on the case details filed in 1991, Marcos was charged
with 10 counts of graft for allegedly having pecuniary interests and
participation in the management of several non-government organizations in
Switzerland from 1978 to 1984, in which, under the law is prohibited.
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| Imelda Marcos with Bongbong and Imee Marcos / photo from Google |
