Imelda’s conviction confirms ‘graft under martial law’
Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte representative Imelda Marcos’ conviction for graft is “another judicial confirmation” of corruption under Martial Law that was declared by her husband, thenPresident Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, according to Albay representative Edcel Lagman.
Imelda Marcos was found guilty of having financial or pecuniary interest in and participating in the management of several foundations despite a constitutional prohibition either while she was a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa or minister of the Ministry of Human Settlements.
The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division convicted her in seven out of 10 graft cases.
“The conviction… is another judicial confirmation of the inordinate corruption perpetrated during the martial law regime by the Marcos family and its cronies,” Lagman said in a statement yesterday.
The court sentenced Marcos to six years and a month up to 11 years in prison with perpetual disqualification to hold public office in each of the seven cases.
She can still file a motion for reconsideration.
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino 4th said that the verdict validates allegations that the Marcoses stole from the nation.
“It can no longer be denied that the Marcoses stole from Filipinos. They were ousted during the People Power Revolution, and now, there’s a conviction from the court,” Aquino said.
“We hope this can be the beginning of our country’s move towards justice. The acknowledgment of the truth about our history and the assurance of justice for a nation robbed of its riches and potential will finally allow us to move on,” he added.