THE Sandiganbayan dismissed the PHP 276 million case against the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and Roman Cruz Jr., the family’s alleged crony. 

In a 30-page resolution released by the anti-graft court’s Second Division, it granted the motion to dismiss the 37-year-old case filed by Imelda Marcos. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), a government agency tasked with recovering the Marcoses' ill-gotten wealth during their dictatorial reign, filed the complaint on July 21, 1987. The complaint sought to recover P276 million worth of funds and properties. 

     Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg explained that the court granted the motion to dismiss filed by the Marcoses after the state prosecutors failed to oppose the motion. 

     The Sandiganbayan said that it dismissed the said case because of “inordinate delay.”

     The ruling explained that the Marcoses’ right to speedy case disposition was violated because “the records show scarcely anything besides the plaintiff's lack of diligence in handling the case. "

     Further explaining, the anti-graft court said that the Marcoses can no longer have a fair trial because possible witnesses may have died, and other evidence may be impossible since the complaint was filed decades ago. 

     According to the Sandigangbayan, since former First Lady Imelda Marcos is now 93 years old, “Her ability to testify and recall the events has assuredly declined, as has her health.” 

     Hearing about the anti-graft court's decision, Senator Imee Marcos said that the delay has been “very difficult and painful.”

     The senator asserts that the decision of the court has been long-awaited considering that there was inadequate evidence to convict them. “Napakatagal eh. Nagpapasalamat ako pero napaka tagal naman, 38 years naman naghintay at alam naman natin, kulang kulang 'yung katibayan,” Marcos said.