Palace ‘concerned’ over dismissal of P200B forfeiture case vs Marcoses

MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang is “concerned” over the fourth civil case dismissed against the family of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

But presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace would remain hands off the case.

“As we have repeatedly said we never interfere with the decision of the court. The court will always decide on the basis of evidence,” Panelo told reporters in Malacañang.

In a  58-page decision Tuesday, Sandiganbayan fourth Division junked a P200-billion forfeiture case against the Marcoses.

“The bulk of the documentary evidence offered by the plaintiff are mere photocopies, most of which are barely readable. Thus, even if the Court were to defy the best evidence rule, it still could not fully ascertain the contents of these documents and make an intelligent evaluation therefrom,” the Sandiganbayan said in its ruling.

“Any government is concerned with the case filed by it against perceived transgressors of the law but it’s the court that always decides whether you have a case against the accused,” Panelo said.