The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Thursday allowed Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos to post bail of P300,000 pending the appeal of her case.
The anti-graft court earlier convicted the 89-year-old former first lady on seven counts of graft and sentenced her to a maximum 11 years imprisonment for each count.
Mrs. Marcos’ lawyers had asked the anti-graft court to transfer her case records to the Supreme Court where she planned to file an appeal, but the Sandiganbayan said she should first exhaust all remedies before doing so.
If her motion for reconsideration before the Sandiganbayan is denied, she may then appeal to the Supreme Court to question the legal basis of her conviction.
“The rules allow an accused to continue enjoying provisional liberty during the pendency of an appeal or a motion for reconsideration,” the court said after granting Mrs. Marcos’ motion to leave to avail of post conviction remedies.
“[Mrs. Marcos] was also required to post a cash bond double the amount of her original bond,” the statement said.
Earlier, the anti-graft court permitted Mrs. Marcos to post a P150,000 bail bond pending ruling on her post-conviction bond that was only granted Thursday.
She posted bail after being absent due to poor health during the promulgation of her charges where she was convicted of seven counts of graft.
Under the Rules of Court, the ruling also gave Mrs. Marcos 15 days to file her motion for post-conviction remedies.
Mrs. Marcos has apologized at the Sandiganbayan for her non-appearance on Nov. 9, citing health reasons.
READ: Imelda withdraws gubernatorial bid, taps grandson as substitute
READ: Marcos tells Sandigan she will challenge guilty verdict