3 Swiss nationals get merit awards for helping recover Marcos ill-gotten wealth

MANILA, Philippines - Three Swiss nationals were conferred the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit for their significant contributions towards recovering the amount of over US$684 million in illicit assets of the Marcos’ family.

Swiss nationals Guy Fontanet, former Member of the Swiss Federal Parliament; Moritz Leuenberger, former Federal Councillor and President of the Swiss Confederation; and Dr. Sergio Salvioni, former Member of the Swiss Federal Parliament were conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit in a simple ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy in Berne last February 11.

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Leslie Baja, on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit on the three Swiss nationals.

“To Mr. Fontanet, to former Federal Councillor Leuenberger, and to Dr. Salvioni, please accept my President’s sincere appreciation and the Filipino people’s immense gratitude for assisting the Philippines. This is a valuable contribution which will forever be part of Philippine history,” said Ambassador Baja during his welcome message.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the three awardees' legal assistance led to the successful discovery, freezing, and eventual recovery of ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses, which were deposited in Swiss banks and other financial institutions, and for contributing towards the restoration of democracy and upholding justice and human rights in the Philippines.