By Genalyn Kabiling
The latest graft conviction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos highlighted "a working and impartial justice system” in the country, Malacañang said Friday.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace respects the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the case of Marcos and recognizes that such ruling should remind government officials to serve people with integrity.
"While we note that there are still legal remedies available to Congresswoman Marcos, this latest development underscores that our country currently has a working and impartial justice system that favors no one,” Panelo said in a statement.
"We treat this decision by the anti-graft court as a good reminder to all public servants that public office is a public trust and that we are all accountable to the people we serve. As servants of the people, we must therefore carry out our duties not only with professionalism and fidelity but most importantly, with integrity,” he said.
The anti-graft court found the former First Lady guilty of seven counts of corruption and ordered her arrest. The court decision stemmed from a complaint about the alleged irregular financial interest in several private organizations created in Switzerland while holding government posts during the Marcos administration years ago.
Panelo maintained that the government respects the decision of the court, citing its non-interference policy on the affairs of the separate branch of government.
"The Executive Branch is not in the business of exerting undue interference or influence in the affairs of another separate and independent branch of the government," he said.
"As such, we manifest our respect to the decision of the Sandiganbayan finding former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos guilty of the seven out of the ten cases filed against her," he added.