The Philippines anti-corruption court on Friday ordered the arrest of former first lady Imelda Marcos after finding her guilty on seven counts of graft during the two-decade rule of her husband Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos, 89, famous for a huge collection of shoes, jewelry, and artwork, is facing dozens of protracted graft cases that have hounded her since her family was toppled in 1986.
The court ordered Marcos, a congresswoman, to serve six to 11 years in jail for each of the seven counts of graft. She was charged for making seven bank transfers totaling 200 million US dollars to Swiss foundations during her term as Manila governor.
Marcos and her representatives did not attend the legal hearing on Friday. She could not be reached for comments; text messages and phone calls to her lawyer were not answered.
Anti-corruption protesters march to Malacanang palace on the first year anniversary of anti-graft street protests in Manila, August 25, 2014. /VCG Photo
The arrest warrant may not be executed immediately because Marcos can appeal the ruling by the Sandiganbayan court, a prosecutor said.
"She can elevate it to the Supreme Court if she sees grave abuse of discretion in the Sandiganbayan's decision. So this is not yet final and executory," said Ryan Quilala, the assistant special prosecutor.
Marcos, who has served three terms as a member of Congress, has registered to contest an election to succeed her daughter, Imee Marcos, 62, as governor of Ilocos Norte, the stronghold of the still powerful Marcos family.
President Rodrigo Duterte enjoys good ties with the Marcos family and has often praised the former president.
Duterte's spokesman, Salvador Panelo, said in a statement that the ruling against Imelda Marcos was proof that the executive "is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence" on courts and therefore respects the decision.