MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has dismissed a PHP276-million civil case against the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and their associate Roman Cruz Jr. The ruling, issued on October 4, cites inordinate delays and violations of due process over the 37-year-old case related to the acquisition of assets by Cruz, allegedly in collusion with the Marcoses.
In a 30-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, the court granted the Marcoses’ motion to dismiss, filed on July 16, noting that state prosecutors did not oppose it. The decision highlighted that the plaintiff acknowledged the absence of allegations against the Marcos estate.
The disputed transaction involved a questionable land swap by Cruz, who was then president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance Corporation (GSIS), for the Pinugay Estate. The court pointed out that the transaction took place 53 years ago and that the delay in the proceedings, exceeding 30 years, has significantly prejudiced the defendants’ ability to secure a fair trial.
The court remarked on the age and health of Imelda Marcos, the sole surviving defendant, now 95, stating her ability to recall events has likely diminished over the years. Furthermore, it noted that the lengthy delay hindered the defendants’ capacity to gather necessary testimonial and documentary evidence.
Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio concurred with the ruling.
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