Presidential pardon for Imelda? Speculation is premature, says Palace

Malacañang on Sunday said it would be "premature" to speculate on whether President Rodrigo Duterte will grant a pardon to former first lady Imelda Marcos, but said that recommendations of the concerned agency will be considered.

"Analysts from some sectors have raised the concern of the possibility of the President granting pardon to former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Imelda Marcos following the decision of the Sandiganbayan. Such issue not only is speculative but premature as well," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an emailed statement.

His remarks come days after the Sandiganbayan found Marcos guilty of graft in connection with her financial interests in Swiss-based foundations during her time as Minister of Human Settlements and interim member of Congress.

Marcos was found guilty on seven counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and was sentenced to a minimum prison sentence of six years and one month to a maximum of 11 years for each count.

Militant lawmakers on Friday hailed the decision, but raised concerns that Marcos may not serve her prison sentence for various reasons.

Other stakeholders also expressed concerns that Duterte would grant Marcos a presidential pardon, considering that the Duterte and Marcos families are allies.

Duterte had favored burying Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani—and the dictator was subsequently installed in the heroes' cemetery in unannounced rites in November 2016.

In August this year, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos' party Ilocano Timpuyog signed a coalition agreement with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio's regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago. The President also declared that he would step down if Bongbong Marcos were the one to replace him, not Vice President Leni Robredo.

In its statement, Malacañang said Duterte has the power to do pardon Imelda Marcos if he chooses, as granted by the constitution.

"The President has the constitutional authority to grant pardon to persons convicted by final judgment. It is not so in the case of Congresswoman Marcos, the decision of the anti-graft court not having attained finality," said Panelo.

Marcos's legal counsel earlier said they are set to appeal the case.

Looking ahead, Panelo said Duterte will take into consideration the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), an office under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"In granting pardon to convicts, the President will consider the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), an office under the Department of Justice (DOJ), which looks into the records and studies the circumstances of the person in order to evaluate the latter’s eligibility and entitlement of the President’s act of grace," said Panelo.

"As matter of course and policy, the President like his predecessors, weighs in all factors before exercising his right to grant clemencies," he explained.

Just hours after the Sandiganbayan decision was announced, Marcos was seen partying with relatives and friends including Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, House Speaker Gloria Arroyo, Solicitor General Jose Calida, former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News