The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the P276 million forfeiture case against former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
In a 30-page resolution released on October 4, the anti-graft court cited excessive delays in the case’s progression by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).
The court stated that it can no longer ensure a fair trial, as many key witnesses have passed away and documentary evidence is missing due to the case being pending for 37 years since its filing in 1987.
The court’s Second Division also noted that the remaining living defendant, Imelda Marcos, is 95 years old, and her ability to testify and recall events has likely diminished, along with her health.
The court added that the Marcos children, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos, and Irene Marcos-Araneta, are not competent to testify on the matter since they were minors during the alleged illegal transactions related to the Pinugay Estate 53 years ago.
The PCGG initially filed the forfeiture case on July 21, 1987, aiming to recover P276 million in assets allegedly stolen by the Marcoses during Martial Law.
These assets included land and six condominium units in California, USA, two lots and two condos in Baguio City, a residential building in Makati City, and a residential lot in Manila.
The Pinugay Estate in Tanay, Rizal, which was allegedly acquired by the former President through his crony Roman Cruz Jr., acting as a dummy, was also part of the case.
However, the court pointed out that the PCGG’s lack of diligence in handling the case led to excessive delays in the proceedings.