Philippines court defers Marcos arrest after graft conviction
The former first lady said she had ‘multiple organ infirmities’ in defence of not appearing in court, but then went to a birthday party
Manila — Former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos was granted bail on Friday after convincing a court to defer her arrest following her conviction a week ago for massive graft. The move leaves Marcos free to prepare what could be a lengthy legal challenge, but will further fuel criticism of special treatment for a politically influential family. Marcos, now 89, famous for hoarding shoes, gems and valuable paintings, posted bail of 150,000 pesos ($2,846) a week after being found guilty in absentia for seven counts of corruption involving use of Swiss bank accounts, collectively worth up to 77 years in prison. The possibility of her arrest has captured domestic attention but the anti-graft court has given no explanation as to why it has not issued a warrant for her arrest in the week since the verdict. Lawyers for the three-term sitting congresswoman have argued that Marcos was unable to attend because she was suffering from “multiple organ infirmities”. On Friday, she told the cou...
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