Submit memo, Sandigan orders Marcoses, ex-DBP exec

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, daughters Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta, and former Development Bank of the Philippines vice president Don Ferry were ordered by the Sandiganbayan to submit a memorandum on the ill-gotten wealth civil case against them.

The Sandiganbayan's Second Division issued the order following the failure of the Marcoses and Ferry to appear and present evidence to back their position as defendants in Civil Case 0014 filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government in 1987.

For not sending a legal counsel during the scheduled hearing, the defendants waived their right to present evidence, the court said.

"Despite notice, none of these defendants appeared or sent any representative. In lieu of this, the court hereby declares (them) as having waived the right to present evidence," said the Sandiganbayan in an order by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr.

During the same hearing, government prosecutors from the PCGG and the Office of the Solicitor General announced they would no longer provide rebuttal evidence.

Civil Case 0014 accused Rebecca and Erlinda Panlilio, the alleged business associates of the late former President Marcos and his wife, Imelda, of acting as their dummies in acquiring ownership or control of several companies.

The Panlilios secured financial assistance from state institutions on liberal terms "for their financial and pecuniary interests" by taking advantage of their alleged closeness with the defendants, the complaint against them said.