PRRD ‘officially’ approves sale of Marcos jewelry

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives his message as he stands as one of the principal sponsors in the wedding of First Lieutenant Jan Tabaculde and First Lieutenant Kerlyn Asuncion at St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on June 1, 2019. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has “officially” ordered the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to auction the jewelry collection of former first lady and now Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Imelda Marcos.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a message to reporters, confirmed that the Office of the President (OP) has officially informed the PCGG about the formal order to auction the PHP700-million jewelry collection.

The PCGG first asked permission to auction the jewelry collection in November last year.

“OP has officially informed PCGG that it interposes no objections to the proposed activities relative to the disposal of the Marcos Jewelry Collections, subject to compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations,” Medialdea said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also confirmed this move, noting that the PCGG should now undertake the auction process.

On Monday, Panelo said it will oppose moves of the Marcos family to block the sale of the jewelry collection.

Panelo said proceeds of the jewelry collection will go to Filipinos who are in urgent need of government aid.

Asked if the Marcos family could be banned from the auction, Panelo said that “everybody is free to bid”.

“I do not know of any law prohibiting any person from bidding, if you are qualified. Unless there are requirements for a qualification,” said Panelo, who is also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.