President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed relief on Sunday, September 13, following the Supreme Court’s decision to clear his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, of her prior graft conviction.
The High Tribunal acquitted the matriarch after ruling that prosecutors failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt regarding her alleged financial stakes in seven Swiss-based entities: Maler Establishment, Trinidad Foundation, Rayby Foundation, Palmy Foundation, Vibur Foundation, Aguamina Foundation, and Avertina Foundation. Although finalized on June 10, 2026, the judgment was officially released on September 9.
Speaking to reporters during the BRICS summit, President Marcos welcomed the end of the decades-long legal battle.
”It’s been hanging over our heads for 40 years. All those cases were filed in 1986 and that’s how long it’s taken. Of course, I’m happy that she does not have to be worried. because she does worry. I’m glad, especially for my mom,” the President said.
The ruling reverses a 2018 Sandiganbayan decision that found the elder Marcos guilty of seven graft counts, which carried a prison sentence of six to 11 years per count on findings that the foundations were established for the Marcos family’s benefit. Imelda Marcos never served jail time for those convictions.
Addressing speculation that the ruling might impact the upcoming selection of the next Chief Justice, President Marcos dismissed any connection.
”That’s the first time I made any connection between the choice of Chief Justice. That will never enter our thinking in any way,” he said.