FORMER first lady and Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos will question before the Supreme Court the Sandiganbayan’s decision that convicted her of seven counts of graft over her participation in the establishment of anomalous foundations in Switzerland during her husband's dictatorship.
In the notice of appeal filed by Marcos’ lawyer before the Sandiganbayan 5th Division on Tuesday, November 22, Marcos asked the anti-graft court to elevate her case to the High Court.
“Wherefore, accused Imelda Marcos hereby files this Notice of Appeal and requests that the records of the instant case be forwarded to the Supreme Court for further proceedings,” the document reads.
The Sandiganbayan 5th Divsion convicted Marcos of seven counts of graft last November 9. It sentenced the widow of the late President Ferdinand Marcos to imprisonment of six years and one month up to 11 years for each count of graft with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
The recent appeal of Marcos was filed even as her previous motion remains pending. She has yet to file a motion for reconsideration to question the decision of the anti-graft court.
On November 12, she filed a motion for leave to avail of post conviction remedies, justifying her absence on the day the decision of the Sanidiganbayan was promulgated.
On November 16, the court conducted a hearing on Marcos’ motion and on the said date, Marcos explained in open court her absence last November 9.
The court, on the same day, granted Marcos’ appeal for bail in the amount of P150,000 allowing her temporary liberty while her motion before the court is pending.
“To date, motion for leave filed by the accused has not yet been resolved. With due respect, the accused submits that the decision convicting her is contrary to facts, law and jursiprudence,” states the notice of appeal filed by Marcos. (SunStar Philippines)