The Supreme Court has acquitted former First Lady Imelda Marcos of seven counts of graft in connection with her alleged financial interests in several “Swiss foundations”.
The Supreme Court’s First Division reversed the 2018 Sandiganbayan conviction after finding that the prosecution failed to prove Imelda’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The decision was dated June 10, 2026. But was released to the public Today, September 9.
Supreme Court Reverses 2018 Conviction
Imelda had previously been convicted by the Sandiganbayan in 2018 on seven counts of graft. She was sentenced to 6 to 11 years in prison for each count but remained out on bail while she pursued an appeal.
According to her case, there was around $200 million “alleged” transferred to the “Swiss foundations” during the Marcos family’s time in power.
Why Was Imelda Marcos Acquitted?
The SC said the prosecution failed to establish all the elements of the graft offenses beyond reasonable doubt.
The Supreme Court also found issues concerning the prosecution’s evidence, including whether the Swiss foundations could be considered businesses covered by the country’s anti-graft law.
The court further ruled that some of the documentary evidence presented by the prosecution was not “properly authenticated”.
Imelda is now 97, She is the mother of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The former first lady and her family returned to the Philippines after years in exile and her son eventually became president in 2022.