Philippines court orders arrest of 89-year-old former first lady

The Philippines’ anti-corruption court on Friday ordered the arrest of former first lady Imelda Marcos.

The court gave the order after finding her guilty on seven counts of graft during the two-decade rule of Ferdinand Marcos, her husband.

Marcos is famous for a huge collection of shoes, jewelry and artwork.

She was charged with making seven bank transfers totalling $200 million to Swiss foundations during her term as Manila governor.

The court ordered Imelda to serve six to 11 years in jail for each of the seven counts of graft.

Commenting on the ruling, assistant special prosecutor Ryan Quilala said the arrest warrant may not be executed immediately because Imelda can appeal the ruling by the Sandiganbayan court.

“She can elevate it to the Supreme Court if she sees grave abuse of discretion in the Sandiganbayan’s decision,” Quilala said.

“So this is not yet final and executory.”

Imelda, 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 Marcos family.

Salvador Panelo, spokesman to President Rodrigo Duterte, said in a statement that the ruling against Imelda was proof that the executive “is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence” on courts and therefore respects the decision.