Marcos jewelry auction: Medialdea sees no legal obstacle

TOKYO – Malacañang sees smooth sailing for the disposition of the P704.8-million jewelry collection seized from former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

“The Office of the President sees no legal impediment to the disposition of the Marcos Jewelry Collections, this being within the prerogative of the PCGG,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told INQUIRER.net in a text message Thursday.

“Nonetheless, considering the value and circumstances surrounding the subject items, this Office understands and appreciates why PCGG sought the President’s guidance on the matter, and for this reason, we have elevated the matter to the President himself,” Medialdea added.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government, task to recover the Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth, has written a letter to the Office of the President in 2018, asking the President’s nod for the auction of the jewelry.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier told reporters that Duterte has given his green light to sell the pieces of jewelry for public auction.

The Commission on Audit in its 2018 audit report said the disposal of the P704.8-million jewelry collection seized Marcos only needed the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte before it is sold via public auction.