Robredo: Imelda Marcos’ excuse for not attending graft case promulgation “a mockery of the justice system”

(Eagle News)–Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday, Nov. 17, described the excuses given by former First Lady Imelda Marcos for missing her graft case promulgation as a “mockery of the justice system.”

In a motion filed before the Sandiganbayan, Marcos said she failed to attend such on Friday, Nov. 9, because her doctor had advised her to avoid stressful situations that could put her at risk given her illnesses that include hypertension and diabetes.

In a hearing on Friday, Nov. 16, on her motion to avail of post-conviction remedies though, Marcos said she failed to attend because she did not know the case promulgation was on that day in the first place.

She said the notice for the promulgation was received by her cook.

“Iyong pinaka-insulto sa atin, kasi iyong the day na lumabas iyong conviction, nag-party pa,” Robredo added, referring to the birthday party Marcos attended also on the day of the promulgation–that of Imee,  the former First Lady’s daughter.

Robredo, however, still expressed hope the Sandiganbayan would show it was impartial.

“Kung paano niya i-treat iyong mahihirap, sana ganoon din iyong pag-treat sa lahat. Kung paano niya i-treat iyong mayayaman, sana ganoon din iyong pag-treat sa mahihirap,” Robredo said.

During the promulgation, Marcos was convicted of seven counts of graft in connection with her setting up of several foundations in Switzerland in which she allegedly had financial interests, while she was a member of then-President Ferdinand Marcos’ government.

She is out on bail, after the Sandiganbayan allowed her to post the same P150,000 bail she first posted but which the anti-graft court forfeited following her absence in the promulgation on Friday, Nov. 16.

The court said, however, that the bail applied only until it resolved Marcos’ motion to avail of post-conviction remedies.