Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Imelda Marcos

THE anti-graft court has ordered the arrest of Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos after it found her guilty of seven counts of graft in relation to the creation of private foundations in Switzerland while she was holding various posts in the government in the past.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division said Marcos can still post a bond for her temporary liberty and challenge the court’s decision.

Marcos was sentenced to imprisonment of six years and one month to 11 years for each count of graft.

The court also disqualified her from sitting in any public office.

The 89-year-old lawmaker, who is now on her third term as Ilocos Norte representative, earlier filed her certificate of candidacy for the gubernatorial race in Ilocos Norte.

The Sandiganbayan, in its decision, also acquitted Marcos from three counts of graft in relation to the use of her Cabinet position to maintain the Swiss bank accounts during the regime of her late husband, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

The case against Marcos, filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in December 1991, stemmed from allegations that the former first lady had financial interests in the private foundations in Switzerland she created while she was in public office.

She was minister of human settlements from 1968 up to 1976 and governor of Metro Manila from 1978 up to 1984. (SunStar Philippines)