Palace to oppose moves to block sale of Marcos jewelry

“Well, as far as we are concerned, these properties have been declared to be ill-gotten, that’s why precisely it is to be solved. If that was the court decision then we have to abide by it,” Panelo said. (PCGG photo)

MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it will oppose moves of the Marcos family to block the sale of the PHP700-million jewelry collection of former first lady, now Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos.

“If they (Marcos family) do (oppose the sale of the jewelry collection), then we will oppose it,” Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“That’s the right thing to do. We feel that as the President says, the proceeds have to go to the Filipino people who are in urgent need of government aid,” he added.

Panelo earlier confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the sale of the jewelry collection through public auction.

Panelo emphasized that the Supreme Court (SC) has also ruled that the jewelry collection is part of ill-gotten wealth.

“Well, as far as we are concerned, these properties have been declared to be ill-gotten, that’s why precisely it is to be solved. If that was the court decision then we have to abide by it,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, said it will be up to the Marcoses’ lawyers to decide whether they would block the sale of the jewelry collection.

“I don’t know about their lawyers. It’s the lawyer’s job. I can’t read their minds,” Panelo said.

Earlier, Panelo said Duterte has directed that proceeds from the jewelry collection would be given to Filipinos “who are in urgent need of government aid with dispatch.”

Despite Duterte’s ties with the Marcos family, Panelo reiterated that Duterte will continue to set aside political alliances to put the people’s interest first.