Sandiganbayan ruling vs. Imelda Marcos shows justice system is working and impartial

The Sandiganbayan decision finding former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos guilty of graft is a reminder that public officials are accountable to the people, Malacañang said Friday.

The decision showed that the country “currently has a working and impartial justice system that favors no one,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The widow of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos was found guilty of seven counts of graft in connection with her financial interests in Switzerland-based foundations while she was holding various positions in the government.

“The Executive Branch is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence in the affairs of another separate and independent branch of the government,” Panelo said.

“As such, we manifest our respect for the decision of the Sandiganbayan finding former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos guilty of the seven out of the ten cases filed against her,” he said.

“We treat this decision by the anti-graft court as a good reminder to all public servants that public office is a public trust and that we are all accountable to the people we serve,” he said, adding public officials must carry out their duties “not only with professionalism and fidelity but most importantly, with integrity.”

Marcos was charged with 10 counts of graft for having pecuniary interests and participation in the management of several non-government organizations in Switzerland from 1978 to 1984, according to the case information filed in 1991.

Marcos served as Minister of Human Settlements and Metro Manila Governor and was a member of the Interim Batasan Pambansa during the presidency of her husband from 1965 to 1986.

The anti-graft court meted out a prison term of 6 years and 1 month to 11 years for each of the seven counts. The court also ordered that she be arrest and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Marcos, who is running for Ilocos Norte governor in the 2019 midterm elections, can still appeal the ruling.

President Rodrigo Duterte is a political ally of the Marcoses and a vocal admirer of the late strongman, who was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Nov. 18, 2016 with the support of Duterte and the Supreme Court.

Malacañang said earlier that Duterte might resign if former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wins his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

In the eyes of Duterte, the Vice President is incompetent to take on the country’s top job. —VDS, GMA News