(Eagle News) – Malacanang said that it respects the decision of the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division which convicted former First Lady Imelda Marcos of graft, saying that the verdict was a “good reminder” to all public servants that “public office is a public trust.”
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the Palace would not in any way interfere in the case.
“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 in a statement issued on Friday, Nov. 9.
“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.
The Sandiganbayan found Mrs. Marcos guilty of graft in seven of 10 counts in connection with her alleged financial interests in several Swiss foundations allegedly handling Marcos accounts.
She was sentenced to six to 11 years for each count, or a total of 42 to 77 years imprisonment.
While the Sandiganbayan has ordered her arrest, the graft case is bailable and the current Ilocos Norte representative can post bail for her provisional liberty, said Ombudsman lead prosecutor Rey Quilala.
Panelo said Malacanang views the conviction of Mrs. Marcos as a sign that the country’s justice system is working and is impartial.
“While we note that there are still legal remedies available to Congresswoman Marcos, this latest development underscores that our country currently has a working and impartial justice system that favors no one,” said Panelo.
“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,” Panelo said in his statement.
“As servants of the people, we must therefore carry out our duties not only with professionalism and fidelity but most importantly, with integrity,” he added.
Upon the decision’s finality, Mrs. Marcos will be considered perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
The Sandiganbayan case first filed in December 1991, or almost 27 years ago, was in connection with her alleged participation in the management of the Swiss foundations, namely Vibur Foundation, Maler Establishment, Trinidad Foundation, Rayby Foundation, Palmy Foundation, Aguamina Foundation, and Avertina Foundation.
She was also accused by the Ombudsman of allegedly funneling the Marcos family’s alleged ill-gotten wealth worth almost $30 million in a bank account at the Banque Paribas despite only declaring a lawful income of $957,487.75 from 1965 to 1985.
This was when Mrs. Marcos was still Metro Manila governor, Minister of Human Settlements, and a member of the Interim Batasan Pambansa.
In August last year, the Office of the Ombudsman, in a 28-page memorandum submitted to the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, said the prosecution had proven “beyond reasonable doubt” that Marcos is guilty of graft based documentary exhibits and testimonies of witnesses which were presented during the 26 years that the case was pending.
