Imelda allowed to post bail pending approval of post-conviction remedies

Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos will enjoy her temporary freedom for the meantime after the Sandiganbayan allowed her to post a P150,000 bail on Friday pending its ruling on her motion seeking post-conviction remedies.

Fifth Division chairperson Associate Justice Rafael Lagos allowed Marcos to post the original bail bond she posted when she was indicted in 1991.

Lagos, however, clarified that the bail is only good until the Sandiganbayan rules on Marcos' motion.

"We will order her to post bond in the original bond. It’s about P150,000," Lagos said.

Lagos said the Marcos camp will only await two rulings from the Sandiganbayan — either an approval of the motion and its ensuing order compelling her to post a P300,000 bail, or a denial and a warrant of arrest.

"If we approve, we will order her to post bail double the amount. If we deny, then wala na, we will issue a warrant," he said.

The 89-year-old former First Lady left the Sandiganbayan around 11:18 a.m. after the approval of her bail.

READ: The Sandiganbayan order granting the temporary freedom of Imelda Marcos after the approval of her P150,000 bail bond. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/L93WlYncWr

— TJ Roxas (@tj_roxas) November 16, 2018

Marcos was accompanied by her children, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former senator Bongbong Marcos, and Irene Marcos, as well as grandchildren Borgy and Mike Manotoc, and Luis Araneta, throughout the proceedings.

Neither Marcos nor the members of her family granted interview requests from the media.

The Sandiganbayan on November 9 found Marcos guilty for seven counts 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 did not attend the promulgation of the case but was present at Imee's birthday party, was held on the same day.

In a motion filed at the Fifth Division on November 12, Marcos said she meant no disrespect to the Sandiganbayan but had to prevent herself from attending stressful conditions upon the orders of her doctor.

Marcos attached a medical certificate signed by her neurologist, Dr. Joven Cuanang of St. Luke's Medical Center, who said the lawmaker is suffering from seven illnesses.

But during Friday's proceedings, Marcos said she was not able to attend last week's promulgation because she was not aware it.

“The real reason is I did not really know. If I knew about it, your honor, even if I was sick, I would have come here,” Marcos, clutching a brown rosary, said at the witness stand.

Regarding the party, which was held in San Juan City, Marcos said she attended it because Imee was “begging” and “crying” for her to attend.

Marcos is running for governor of Ilocos Norte in next year's elections. —KBK, GMA News