Imelda’s conviction a victory – prosecution lawyer

The decision of the Sandiganbayan to convict former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos for seven counts of graft on Friday is a huge victory, a member of the prosecution panel said.

Assistant Special Prosecutor Ryan Quilala said that this is the case even if Marcos was acquitted in three other cases.

“Si Imelda Marcos po ay convicted doon sa mga Swiss accounts, sa Swiss foundations.  Unfortunately, doon sa local corporations, hindi,” Quilala told reporters after the promulgation of Marcos’ cases.

“Victory pa rin po ito.  So hindi po gano’n kasama ang loob namin sa local corporation (cases), but as to the Swiss foundations po, makikita po talaga na they even used a pseudonym,” he added.

The cases were actually filed in the early 90’s — around two decades before the 89-year-old former first lady was convicted.

“Iba-ibang judges na ho.  No’ng na-file nga ho ito hindi pa ako abugado eh,” Quilala said.

Mrs. Marcos was found guilty after she and husband former President Ferdinand Marcos transferred around $200 million to foundations in Switzerland while sitting as a member of the Batasang Pambansa and while she was the Minister of Human Resettlement — which was prohibited under the 1973 Constitution.

Critics of the Marcoses have called on the government to immediately arrest her, with some noting that the decision has been long overdue.

READ: Bayan Muna to PNP: Arrest Imelda Marcos now

The Sandiganbayan also ordered the arrest of Marcos, who will serve a sentence of six years and one month up to a maximum of eleven years for each count.

However, she can post bail as graft is a bailable offense.  She was also given thirty days to explain her absence during the legal proceedings, where she can file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court.   /muf

READ: Imelda Marcos guilty of graft, ordered arrested