MANILA, Philippines — Regardless of the verdict, the Sandiganbayan's conviction of former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos show that justice is a clear victim, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.
The fifth division of anti-graft Sandiganbayan has found Marcos guilty beyond reasonable doubt for seven counts of graft. She was sentenced of imprisonment from six years and month to 11 years, with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
Related Stories
Sen. Francis Pangilinan of the Liberal Party pointed out that the case against the widow of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos was from at least three decades ago.
READ: Money trail: Marcos billions and where to find them
"This points to how long and therefore frustrating the Philippine judicial system is, and especially in relation to how powerful and powerfully entrenched the accused are," Pangilinan said in a statement.
Welcoming the court decision, Pangilinan said the conviction is a reminder that the Marcoses have plundered the nation's wealth.
"We hope our courts will see this through conviction and give no special treatment to Mrs. Marcos," Pangilinan said.
The charges against Marcos stemmed from her illegal creation of Swiss foundations and bank accounts during her term as Minister of Human Settlements and governor of Metro Manila from 1976 to 1986 and a concurrent member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1984.
A triumph for martial law victims
Acknowledging that the conviction has had a long process, the Commission on Human Rights considered the decision as a triumph for the Filipino people, particularly for human rights victims during Martial Law.
"The Commission stresses the need for truth so that we can ultimately hold the dictatorship and their cohorts accountable for their crimes. We will continue to be vigilant in this process in the interest of upholding justice for the victims of such transgressions. We will never forget," CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.
Rights group Karapatan, on the other hand, demanded the immediate arrest and imprisonment of the Ilocos Norte lawmaker, as well as the return of public funds that the Marcoses have stolen from the Filipino people.
"We demand that the Filipino people be accorded genuine justice for the human rights violations, plunder, corruption and puppetry of the Marcos regime," Karapatan said in a statement.
Duterte may pardon Marcos
Labor group Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino deemed the conviction as an "early Christmas gift."
The labor group, however, warned that Malacañang might still grant pardon to Marcos.
"The verdict elicits jubilation, a long standing prayer of the people has been answered but then again it would be safe to say that with the Duterte’s administration’s close affinity with the Marcoses, Imelda will be pardoned unconditionally," BMP chairperson Leody de Guzman said.
De Guzman noted that President Rodrigo Duterte was the only president who allowed Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
"It is also most certain that Imelda will not be slapped," De Guzman said.
Assistant special prosecutor Rey Quilala admitted that the arrest order against Marcos might still be lifted as the conviction is not yet final. The Marcos camp may still file a motion for reconsideration.