The Supreme Court has reversed the 2018 Sandiganbayan conviction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos and acquitted her of seven counts of graft involving alleged financial interests in foundations based in Switzerland.
The SC First Division issued the ruling on June 10, 2026, with the decision made public on Wednesday, September 9. Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda wrote the decision.
The Court ruled that the prosecution “failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” leading to the reversal of the anti-graft court’s earlier verdict.
The Sandiganbayan had convicted Marcos in November 2018 and sentenced her to imprisonment ranging from six years and one month to 11 years for each count, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The cases stemmed from complaints filed in 1991 alleging that the Marcos family maintained Swiss foundations and bank accounts to hold financial interests linked to government funds during the Marcos administration.
Marcos served as Minister of Human Settlements and was also a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa during the presidency of her late husband, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
