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FILE PHOTO: Philippines Former First Lady and Congresswoman Imelda Marcos waves to supporters as she takes part in the announcement of her son BongBong Marcos’ vice-presidential candidacy, in Manila Philippines October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
MANILA, Philippines — Minority Leader Danilo Suarez shares the same sentiment with known human rights lawyer Atty. Rene Saguisag in his recent statement in connection with the conviction of Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos in 7 graft cases in Sandiganbayan.
Suarez is one of the congressmen who are against the arrest of Marcos.
“He [Atty. Rene Saguisag] said conviction is enough. It’s shameful enough that you are convicted already. He is somehow saying that there is no need to jail the former first lady. For me it’s … she is already 89 years old,” said Suarez.
According to Buhay party-list Rep Lito Atienza the age of congresswoman Marcos should be considered.
“If Sen. Enrile can be released on the basis of age and health then the former first lady is also an elderly person… she is 89 and she is not totally that healthy,” said Atienza.
But Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate opposed.
“Go to the National Bilibid Prison there are a lot of senior citizens and political prisoners there. Their cases have not been resolved until now. One of them died already inside the jail,” said Zarate.
Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan has deferred the issuance of a warrant of arrest against congresswoman Marcos.
This, after the Marcos camp filed a motion for leave of court to avail of possible remedies for the absence of Mrs. Marcos and her lawyer, Atty. Robert Sison, and further requested for a deferment of the issuance of a warrant.
The motion is set for hearing on Friday, November 16.
Zarate, expressed disappointment on the deferment of the issuance of the arrest warrant saying the victims of human rights violation under former President Ferdinand Marcos administration are waiting for this conviction for so long.
“We are calling to apply the law fairly we can see here that there are special treatment in the Marcos family,” said Zarate.
Congresswoman Marcos has not been attending any session in the House of Representatives since Monday. — Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue
Sandiganbayan orders issuance of arrest warrant vs Imelda Marcos
FILE PHOTO: Imelda Marcos
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the issuance of a warrant of arrest against former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Congresswoman Imelda Marcos.
Last Friday, Marcos was found guilty of seven counts of graft over the creation of Swiss accounts while she was still in office.
The former first lady, however, failed to attend the promulgation of the decision.
The anti-graft court also forfeited her bail and required her to explain within thirty days why no judgment on the bond should be issued. — UNTV News & Rescue
Age, health of Imelda Marcos to be considered in her arrest — PNP
FILE PHOTO: Imelda Marcos
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center is prepared in case the court decides to place former first lady Imelda Marcos under PNP’s custody.
However, PNP chief PDG Oscar Albayalde said they have not been notified yet for advance coordination with the court regarding the release of the arrest warrant against Marcos.
Albayalde added that in consideration of Marcos’ age and health condition, they have not ordered personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to wait at the gates of Congress like in the case of Senator Antonio Trillanes.
Nevertheless, the PNP Chief has directed the CIDG director to lead the arrest upon release of the warrant.
At present, Marcos is facing minimum of 6 years in prison and perpetual disqualification from holding public office after the Sandiganbayan found her guilty on seven counts of graft.
However, the former first lady may still post bail for her provisional liberty as graft is a bailable case. — Lea Ylagan
Malacañang: Imelda Marcos’ conviction reflects working, impartial justice system in PH
FILE PHOTO: Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Friday (November 9) noted that the conviction of former First Lady now Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos is a reflection of a “working and impartial justice system” in the country.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also stressed that “the Executive Branch is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence in the affairs of another separate and independent branch of the government.”
Panelo said the administration respects the Sandiganbayan’s decision and “treat this decision by the anti-graft court as a good reminder to all public servants that public office is a public trust and that we are all accountable to the people we serve.”
“As servants of the people, we must therefore carry out our duties not only with professionalism and fidelity but most importantly, with integrity,” Panelo reminded his colleagues in government service. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
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