Sandigan authorizes National Museum to secure Imelda Marcos paintings

This file photo taken on June 7, 2007 shows former first lady Imelda Marcos is seen in her apartment in Manila with a gallery of paintings including a Picasso, seen at upper right. Philippine authorities moved on September 30, 2014 to seize paintings by Picasso, Gauguin, Miro, Michelangelo and other masters held by Imelda Marcos after getting a court order against the former first lady. AFP/ROMEO GACAD

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan ordered the transfer to the National Museum of the prized paintings owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos, which are believed to be part of the clan’s alleged ill-gotten wealth.

In a resolution of the antigraft court Special Division, the National Museum was authorized as the official custodian after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which has been securing the paintings for four months already, said it could no longer take care of the 15 prized artworks.

The court affirmed the recommendation of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to assign the National Museum as depository of the seized paintings capable of preserving its quality.

“For the preservation of the conservation of the subject paintings, the court resolves to order the transfer of the paintings from the Compartment No. 12 (of the BSP) to the National Museum,” read the resolution promulgated February 2 and signed by Associate Justices Efren dela Cruz, Alex Quiroz and Maria Cristina Cornejo.

The BSP had told the court that its compartment where the paintings were stored was not suitable to preserve the paintings, which under the conditions will likely worsen in six months’ time and affect its market value.

In a letter attached to the PCGG’s recommendation, National Museum director Jeremy Barns said the museum was willing to assist the Sandiganbayan in safekeeping the paintings.

“Should the Sandiganbayan so order, the Museum is ready to assist the Republic by taking possession of the paintings which are the subject of garnishment for safekeeping, while they continue to be in the custody of the law,” Barns said in the letter.

Imelda’s paintings were turned over to the BSP on September 30 last year after they were seized by Sandiganbayan court personnel.

Among those confiscated by the court sheriff were three similar “Madonna and Child” paintings by Michelangelo; “Femme Au Chapeau,” “Paysage,” “Jeune Femme En Rouge,” “Coupe De Fleurs,” five “Vase De Fleurs,” “Panier De Fleurs” and “Jeune Femme Shabilant” by Paule Gobillard; and a Picasso replica brass strokes.

The antigraft court’s seizure order is related to the civil forfeiture case filed against the Ilocos Norte representative and her heirs.

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