MANILA, Philippines — The legal counsel of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos is planning to file a motion for reconsideration following the conviction of the former first lady.
Anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has found Marcos guilty of seven counts of graft, ordered her arrest and perpetually disqualified her from holding public office.
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In a statement released Friday afternoon, Marcos said retired Court of Appeals Justice Manuel "Lolong" Lazaro will act as her counsel as her attorney of record Robert Sison has been indisposed.
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"Justice Lolong Lazaro, who has previously appeared as counsel in this case, will act as my counsel in the interim. He is presently studying the decision and has advised us that he intends to file a Motion for Reconsideration," Marcos said.
Assistant special prosecutor Rey Quilala earlier confirmed that Marcos can avail of legal remedies such as filing a motion for reconsideration following her conviction.
This means that the Sandiganbayan's arrest order against her may still be lifted as the decision is not yet final.
Marcos has been sentenced to imprisonment of six years and one month to 11 years for each count of graft or a total of 42 years and seven months to 77 years.
The court ruled that she violated Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits government officials from having direct or indirect "financing or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity, or in which he is prohibited by the Constitution or by any law from having any interest."