The Supreme Court of the Philippines has officially reversed the 2018 conviction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos concerning seven counts of graft. These charges were originally linked to her purported financial involvement in private foundations based in Switzerland during her tenure as governor of Metro Manila. The ruling, authored by Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, was finalized in June 2026 and made public this September. This decision effectively nullifies the earlier verdict from the Sandiganbayan, which had previously sentenced Marcos to multiple prison terms and imposed a permanent ban on her holding public office. The anti-graft court had initially found her guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, while simultaneously clearing her of three other related charges. The high court's latest action removes the legal penalties and disqualifications previously mandated by the lower court's decision.
Source : The Manila Times
Photo : The Manila Times
