Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Imelda Marcos was released from the Sandiganbayan’s custody after posting the P150,000 bail on Friday.
Despite her graft conviction, the anti-graft court allowed the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos to post bail, which was the same amount that Mrs. Marcos originally posted in 1991 but was forfeited upon her guilty verdict last November 9.
The Sandiganbayan approved the bail pending its decision on Mrs. Marcos’ motion for leave, which would let her avail of post-conviction remedies.
“As the Court ordered the forfeiture of cash bail bonds of accused Imelda R. Marcos in its Order dated November 9, 2018, she was required to post anew cash bonds in the same amount of the forfeited bonds,” Sandiganbayan said in an order signed by Fifth Division Chairperson Rafael Lagos.
“Today, she posted cash bond in the amount of P150,000 under Official Receipt No. 5497607 V dated November 16, 2018, for her provisional liberty. Finding the said bond in order, the same is hereby approved. She may, therefore, be released from the custody of the Court,” the order added.
Mrs. Marcos, accompanied by her children Irene Marcos-Araneta, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, and former Senator Bongbong Marcos, did not respond to questions from reporters.
Lawyer Manuel Lazaro, Mrs. Marcos’ lead counsel, explained in an ambush interview that they cannot comment on the pending case.
“Binigyan siya no’ng bail, pero ‘yong motion namin, hindi pa gina-grant. We cannot say anything until we get an order from the Court […] Binigyan si Ma’am ng bail, ‘yon lang. Ngayon ‘yong motion namin, wala pa, pinag-aaralan pa siguro,” he said.
On Monday, Mrs. Marcos filed a motion for leave to avail of post-conviction remedies. She also cited in that motion that she was unable to attend the November 9-promulgation hearing because she was “indisposed” and has “multiple organ infirmities.”
But Mrs. Marcos attended the birthday party of her daughter Imee hours after the anti-graft court handed down its ruling.
Mrs. Marcos was found guilty for seven counts of graft in connection with the transfer of around $200 million to Swiss foundations, which she created with her husband and had their children among its beneficiaries.
The 89-year-old Mrs. Marcos held several government positions – Metro Manila governor, Batasang Pambansa member, and Human Settlements minister – during the regime of her husband. /kga
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