The Sandiganbayan has dismissed a ₱276-million wealth forfeiture case against Imelda Marcos and the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The court has cited the following:
“They can no longer be afforded a fair trial since the witnesses may have already died, and the documentary evidence may no longer be located after more than 30 years from the filing of the complaint.”
“Considering that the extant living defendant is 95 years old, her ability to testify and recall the events has assuredly declined, as has her health,” the court added.
Also Read: Manila Court Convicts 10 Fratmen in Atio Castillo Hazing Case
The court further stated that President Bonbong Marcos and his siblings were not fit to testify on the matter as they were minors at the time.
“This would give the defendants difficulty in finding testimonial and documentary evidence to prove their defense, considering the time that has elapsed,” the 30-page publicized resolution noted.
The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) filed the forfeiture case on July 21, 1987, in an attempt to recover millions of dollars in property. The case also detailed that the Marcoses allegedly acquired these properties through illegal means during martial law.
According to the case, the properties that PCGG plans to seize and award to the government include a parcel of land and six condominium units in California, two lots and two condominium units in Baguio City, a residential building in Makati, and a residential lot in Manila.
Also Read: Sandiganbayan Clears Juan Ponce Enrile in Plunder Case
The PCGG, represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, alleged that Ferdinand Marcos Sr. used Roman Cruz Jr. as his “dummy.” Marcos acquired the Pinugay Estate in Tanay, Rizal, through him.
The court stated that the PCGG’s lack of diligence in handling the case has led to the “inordinate delay” in proceedings. Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, along with Associates Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio, has authored the resolution of the case.
As of this article’s writing, the wealth forfeiture case against Imelda and Ferdinand Sr. is now part of the 20+ cases dismissed by Sandiganbayan to date.
Keep Reading: Saudi Arabia Executes a Filipino for Murder
Leave a Reply