Imelda partying on night of graft conviction a ‘mockery’ of Filipino people — solon

Opposition lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Sunday slammed their colleague, former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos, for reportedly partying on the same day she was found guilty of graft by the Sandiganbayan.

In a message to reporters, Anakpawis party-list Representative Ariel Casilao said Marcos partying on the day of her conviction is a "mockery" of the Filipino people who had long fought to bring the Marcoses to justice.

"Kung ordinaryong Pilipino at mga aktibista ang na-isyuhan na nga warrant of arrest, mabilis pa sa alas kwatro ang mga pulis para mang-aresto," he said.

"Dapat kagyat na arestuhin si Imelda Marcos at huwag na hintayin na makapag-file ng motion for reconsideration. Given that it took decades for her conviction to be passed, her arrest is way long overdue," he added.

Marcos attended the birthday celebration of her daughter Imee on Friday. Also in attendance were her son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., as well as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Solicitor General Jose Calida and former senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

Earlier that day, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found Marcos guilty of seven counts of graft over her financial interests in Swiss-based foundations during her time as Minister of Human Settlements and interim member of Congress.

She was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum prison sentence of 11 years for each count of graft and was perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Casilao said the government should prioritize putting Marcos in prison.

"Kung gusto ng gobyerno na bumalik ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa hustisya ng bansa, dapat unahin ang mga katulad ni Imelda Marcos," he said.

For her part, ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro said Marcos should have prepared for her promulgation day instead of partying.

Marcos herself did not attend the promulgation of her case at the Sandiganbayan.

"Perhaps she was confident that she will be acquitted of her crime to the Filipino people? Mahiya naman ang pamilyang Marcos sa mga Pilipino!" Castro said.

"Saan kaya humuhugot ng kapal ng mukha ang nga Marcoses na ito?" she added.

Marcos said her lawyer is considering filing a motion for reconsideration against the Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict. — BM, GMA News