A Philippine court has officially dismissed a case about stolen money and expensive items linked to former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his wife, Imelda. The case, worth ₱5 million, was thrown out because the government lawyers in charge of it did nothing for many years.
What Was the Case About?
This case, known as Civil Case 0032, was filed because Marcos Sr., Imelda, and a man named Fernando Timbol were accused of illegally collecting fancy cars and expensive household items. The government wanted these items returned, claiming they were bought using stolen money.
Why Was the Case Dismissed?
The Sandiganbayan, a special court that handles corruption cases, said that the government lawyers responsible for the case didn’t take any action since 1994—that’s 30 years ago! Because of this long delay, the court decided that keeping the case open was no longer fair or useful.
What Did the Court Say?
In a 12-page ruling, the Sandiganbayan explained that the case was left neglected and forgotten in their records for too long. They also said that since the prosecution failed to do anything for decades, the case had to be dismissed.
“The complaint has clogged the court’s docket for too long, and it can no longer be allowed,” the court stated.
What Happens Now?
Since the case has been officially dismissed, the Marcos family no longer has to worry about returning the money or expensive items in question. The government cannot claim damages or even ask for legal fees from the family anymore.
This decision is final, and the case is now completely closed.
