Metro Manila, Philippines – The Supreme Court has acquitted former First Lady Imelda Marcos of seven counts of graft, reversing her 2018 Sandiganbayan conviction after finding that prosecutors failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In a decision promulgated on June 10, the Supreme Court’ First Division granted Marcos’ appeal and reversed and set aside the Sandiganbayan ruling that convicted her over her alleged financial interests in Swiss foundations while she was a government official during the administration of her husband, Ferdinand E. Marcos.
“The Appeal is GRANTED. The November 9, 2018 Decision of the Sandiganbayan in Criminal Case Nos. 17287, 17288, 17289, 17290, 22867, 22868, and 22869 is REVERSED and SET ASIDE,” the decision read.
“Accused-appellant Imelda R. Marcos is ACQUITTED for the prosecution’s failure to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, in relation to Article IX, Section 8 of the 1973 Constitution.”
The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda.
It said prosecutors failed to establish that the foundations constituted “businesses” as the term is ordinarily understood.
The court said doubts over the scope of the term “business” in a penal law must be resolved in favor of the accused, noting that criminal statutes are strictly construed against the state.
The court also found that the Sandiganbayan committed a “reversible error” when it relied on a statement in an earlier case to support Marcos’ conviction.
The Supreme Court stressed that its ruling was based on the evidence and applicable law regardless of the personalities involved.
“Ultimately, when the Court dons its robe, inclinations and personal beliefs are set aside, as they do not have a place in a court of law,” the decision read.
“It is the constitutionally mandated duty of the Court to dispense justice in an impartial manner. To do so, the Court must follow the rules it promulgates and consider only facts supported by admissible and relevant evidence,” it added.
Malacañang has yet to issue a statement on the decision involving the mother of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
