Imelda Marcos may be arrested if court issues warrant

FORMER FIRST LADY and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, despite her age and health condition, should be arrested if a warrant is issued by the courts over her recent conviction for graft, said Senate President Vicente Sotto.

Sotto said the issue on hand is simply whether if a warrant of arrest has been issued and not Marcos’ age or health. “Whether it’s Mrs. Marcos or another person, whether it’s Senator (Antonio) Trillanes or whoever it is, the issue is, may warrant ba? Yun ang importante doon, may warrant o wala. Kung may warrant, dapat arestuhin. Kung walang warrant, hintayin natin yung warrant. It’s as simple as that,” Sotto said.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found Marcos guilty of seven counts of graft in connection with her financial interests in several Swiss-based foundations while serving in different official capacities during the Marcos regime.

She was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum prison sentence of 11 years “for each count” of graft. Besides the jail sentence, the 89-year old lawmaker is also perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The anti-graft court also ordered the issuance of arrest warrants against Marcos. (Jose Cielito Reganit)