P200-B forfeiture case vs Marcoses up for decision at Sandiganbayan

In this October 16 photo, former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. accompanies his sister Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos in filing her certificate of candidacy for senator in the 2019 midterm elections. Anti-graft court Sandiganbayan is set to issue a decision on the P200-billion civil forfeiture case against the Marcoses.
STAR/Krizjohn Rosales, file

MANILA, Philippines —A 31-year-old civil forfeiture case against the Marcos family is up for decision at anti-graft court Sandiganbayan after the conviction of the family's matriarch Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division confirmed that the civil case against Imelda and children Ferdinand Jr., Imee and Irene was submitted for decision, according to a report from The STAR.

Petitioner Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG), represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, as well as the defendants have given their respective memoranda containing the summary of their arguments, evidence and witnesses.

The civil forfeiture case seeks to recover P200 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth from the Marcoses on top of more than P250 million in expenses for the recovery efforts.

In its complaint initially filed in 1987 and finalized in 1990, the PCGG noted how all funds and other property acquired by the Marcoses during their incumbency as public officers were "manifestly out of proportion to their salaries, other lawful income and income from legitimately acquired property."

Imelda convicted for graft

Just last Friday, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found Imelda guilty beyond reasonable doubt of seven counts of graft.

These cases stemmed from her creation of several private foundations in Switzerland and holding financial interests in the private sector while holding public office.

The court sentenced the Marcos matriarch to at least six years and one day to 11 years of jail time for each count or a total of 42 years and seven months to 77 years imprisonment. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The Sandiganbayan is yet to issue an arrest warrant against the widow of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Marcos camp, on the other hand, has filed for a motion for leave of court to avail of post-conviction remedies such as filing of motion for reconsideration, lifting of arrest warrant and motion to post bail. — Patricia Lourdes Viray with reports from Elizabeth Marcelo

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