Marcos cites poor health in absence at Sandiganbayan

Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, former first lady, has cited health reason why she missed the promulgation of her conviction for graft last week.

In her explanation before the Sandiganbayan, the graft convict claimed she was “suffering from multiple organ infirmities."

Marcos also claimed to be “under strict orders from her physician to refrain from stressful conditions that will put her at risk for heart and brain attack and recurrence of seizure.”

Her lawyer did not attend the promulgation either. Despite her supposed infirmities, the widow of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos was seen attending the birthday party of her daughter Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos in San Juan hours after her conviction last Friday.

The anti-graft court found Marcos guilty on seven counts of graft over the creation of several foundations in Switzerland during the administration of her husband. She was meted the penalty of imprisonment up to 77 years. She was also directed by the court to explain her absence during the promulgation.

The Sandiganbayan has yet to issue a warrant for her arrest despite the earlier cancellation of her bail.

The Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang (CARMMA), a group that describes itself as being "composed of martial law victims, civil libertarians, peace and freedom advocates and militant groups" questioned the delay in Marcos' arrest.

"The delay of the issuance of an arrest order against Marcos is dilly-dallying justice that should have been served quickly and decisively," the group said.

The Philippine National Police said that it will arrest Marcos once a warrant is issued, but has also said it will take into account the former first lady's health and her advanced age. —