The Sandiganbayan’s Second Division has dismissed the ill-gotten wealth case against the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his wife Imelda, and their alleged associates. The court cited a lack of evidence as the reason for the dismissal.
In a 45-page decision, the anti-graft court concluded that the prosecution failed to present enough evidence to establish that the assets and properties in question were acquired through illicit means.
The court stated, “After carefully reviewing the evidence on record, it is evident that the plaintiff did not provide enough proof to support their claims. Specifically, they failed to demonstrate that the properties in question were obtained through illegitimate methods.”
The case, known as Civil Case No. 0014, was filed in 1987 and aimed to forfeit and recover certain assets and properties allegedly owned by associates of the Marcoses. The accused individuals included Modesto Enriquez, Trinidad Diaz-Enriquez, Rebecco Panlilio, Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio, Leandro Enriquez, Don Ferry, Roman Cruz Jr., and Gregorio Castillo. The companies involved were Ternate Development Corp., Monte Sol Development Corporation, Olas del Mar Development Corporation, Fantasia Filipina Resort, Inc., Sulo Dobbs, Inc., Philippine Village, Inc., Silahis International Hotel, Inc., Hotel Properties, Inc., Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club, and Philroad Construction Corporation.
The prosecution claimed that the accused, in collusion, unlawfully acquired and accumulated wealth at the expense of the government. However, the court found no evidence linking the Marcoses to the control or interest in the mentioned corporations.
The court also disregarded the testimony of the Presidential Commission on Good Government’s records custodian, the prosecution’s sole witness. The court noted that she lacked personal knowledge regarding the accuracy of the presented documents. Additionally, the court observed that most of the documents were illegible photocopies from the custody of the PCGG.
The decision was signed by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio and supported by Associate Justices Oscar Herrera Jr. and Edgardo Caldona.
In a separate ruling dated February 21, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division also dismissed a civil case related to alleged ill-gotten wealth against Marcos and others. This case pertained to reversion, reconveyance, and accounting claims against Marcos and other respondents.
However, in May, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division denied a motion by members of the Marcos family to regain properties previously deemed as ill-gotten, stating the lack of merit.
