Sandigan to Imelda Marcos: Too early for Supreme Court plea

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan set aside yesterday the bid of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos to elevate her graft conviction to the Supreme Court (SC).

The 89-year-old former first lady on Monday filed a notice of appeal informing the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division of her intention to seek SC relief following her conviction on seven counts of graft for funneling public funds to Swiss bank accounts during the regime of her husband, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“The notice of appeal filed by Marcos is premature as the court has not yet resolved her motion for leave to avail herself of post-conviction remedies,” the Sandiganbayan said. “Therefore, the court cannot take action on the same.”

Marcos, through her lawyers, asked the Sandiganbayan to forward the records of her cases to the high tribunal “for further proceedings.” 

“With due respect, the accused submits that the decision convicting her is contrary to facts, law and jurisprudence,” read the notice of appeal.

Marcos’ plea came following the Fifth Division’s ruling that old age could not spare anyone from a serving prison term in the case of a 71-year-old retired police officer who was found guilty of corruption in 2009.

On Nov. 8, the Sandiganbayan convicted Marcos of graft in connection with the anomalous seven private foundations established in Switzerland when she was minister of Human Settlements and Metro Manila governor from 1976 to 1986, and member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1984.

The Marcoses allegedly opened bank accounts in Switzerland to funnel illegally amassed government funds during the martial law period.

Marcos was sentenced to a maximum of 11 years in prison for each graft case.

The Sandiganbayan also ordered her perpetual disqualification from holding public office as an accessory penalty.

Marcos appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Nov. 16 to justify her absence during the promulgation of judgment.

She earlier posted bail of P150,000 to evade prison as she sought to appeal the ruling.