Retired CA Justice to represent Imelda Marcos in graft case

Update

Retired Court of Appeals Justice Manuel “Lolong” Lazaro will now represent former first lady and Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos in her seven counts of graft case before the Sandiganbayan.

Marcos, through her counsel, filed an entry of appearance before the anti-graft court on Monday. She also informed the Sandiganbayan that she would avail herself of post-conviction remedies.

Post-conviction remedies under the law include filing a motion for reconsideration (MR) and appeal, among others. The late dictator’s widow earlier said her camp intends to file an MR.

READ: Imelda Marcos to appeal graft conviction

Aside from Lazaro, Marcos’ legal team will also include lawyers Michelle Lazaro, Abel Almario, and Kristopher Sy.

Under the Sandiganbayan’s internal rules, Marcos’ camp has 15 days from the date of promulgation or receipt of notice of judgment to file an MR, while the Court has 30 days to act once the MR is submitted.

On Friday, Nov. 9, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found the 89-year-old Mrs. Marcos guilty of violating R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when she transferred around $200 million to seven Swiss foundations during her term as Metro Manila Governor, Batasang Pambansa Member, and Minister of Human Settlement.

READ: Imelda Marcos guilty of graft, ordered arrested

She was sentenced to an imprisonment of six years and one month up to 11 years for each count of graft and ordered arrested but she can still post bail as graft is a bailable charge.