Sotto: No issue on Imelda’s arrest if court issues warrant

There is no issue in arresting former First Lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos if the court releases a warrant of arrest, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Tuesday.

Marcos was found guilty by the Sandiganbayan of seven counts of graft for transferring $200 million to seven Swiss foundations when she was Metro Manila Governor, Batasang Pambansa member, and Minister of Human Settlement.

READ: Imelda Marcos guilty of graft, ordered arrested

“If it is an issue whether it’s Mrs. Marcos or another person, whether it’s Senator [Antonio] Trillanes or whoever it is, the issue is, may warrant ba? Iyon ang importante doon, may warrant o wala?” Sotto told reporters in an interview.

(If it is an issue whether it’s Mrs. Marcos or another person, whether it’s Senator Trillanes or whoever it is, the issue is, is there a warrant? That’s what’s important. Is there a warrant or not?)

“Kung may warrant, dapat arestuhin. Kung walang warrant, hintayin natin iyong warrant. It’s as simple as that,” he also said.

(If there is a warrant, she should be arrested. If there is no warrant, let’s wait for it. It’s as simple as that.)

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde earlier said they will “gladly abide” by the order of the court once it issues an arrest warrant.

READ: PNP to ‘gladly abide’ by court’s order to arrest Imelda Marcos

In a press briefing on Monday, he also said the police will have to consider the age and health of Marcos if she will be arrested. The former First Lady is now 89 years old.

READ: Albayalde on Imelda arrest: We have to consider her aged

Senator Francis Escudero, meanwhile, said the PNP should follow the court if it orders the arrest of Marcos. He said Albayalde’s comment on Marcos’ age and health would then be “completely immaterial.” /ee