Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos’ conviction for graft is “another judicial confirmation” of corruption under Martial Law that was declared by her husband, then-President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, according to Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.

Former first lady Imelda Marcos. AFP FILE PHOTO

Mrs. Marcos was found guilty of having financial or pecuniary interest in and participating in the management of several foundations despite a constitutional prohibition either while she was a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa or minister of the Ministry of Human Settlements.

The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division convicted her in seven out of 10 graft cases.

“The conviction... is another judicial confirmation of the inordinate corruption perpetrated during the martial law regime by the Marcos family and its cronies,” Lagman said in a statement on Saturday.

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The court sentenced Mrs. Marcos to six years and a month up to 11 years in prison with perpetual disqualification to hold public office in each of the seven cases.

She can still file a motion for reconsideration.

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino 4th said that the verdict validates allegations that the Marcoses stole from the nation.

“Sa wakas, hindi na puwedeng itanggi na nagnakaw ang mga Marcos mula sa taumbayan.

Nahatulan sila at pinatalsik noong People Power Revolution, at ngayon naman, nahatulan na sa korte ( It can no longer be denied that the Marcoses stole from Filipinos. They were ousted during the People Power Revolution, and now, there’s a conviction from the court),” Aquino said.

“We hope this can be the beginning of our country’s move towards justice. The acknowledgment of the truth about our history and the assurance of justice for a nation robbed of its riches and potential will finally allow us to move on,” he added.