Philippines confiscates art-works from ex-first lady who owns 3000 designer shoes

The anti-corruption court in Philippines has ordered the family of late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos to surrender eight paintings by famous European artists, declaring they had been illegally acquired with public funds.

Imelda Marcos, former first lady

The paintings include works by artists like Michaelangelo, Pablo Picasso, Francisco de Goya, Miro and Gauguin. Among the paintings were "Madonna and Child", "Femme Couchee VI" and a Francisco de Goya portrait of the Marquesa de Santa Cruz".

Others are Pierre Bonnard’s “La Baignade Au Grand Temps”, Bernard Buffet’s “Vase of Red Chrysanthemums”, Joan Miro’s “L’Aube”, and one of Camille Pissarro’s “Jardin de Kew” series.

The court ordered searches of all known offices and residences of the former first lady and Congresswoman, Imelda Marcos, in Manila and Ilocos Norte in a bid to recover the artworks.

Government spokesman, Nick Suarez told AFP that the paintings will be retrieved starting today. He added that he did not have estimates of the current value of the artworks.

Imelda's vast collection of designer shoes

Imelda, 85, famous for her collection of 3000 designer shoes, has been charged with civil and criminal crimes, but has never been prosecuted despite evidence of massive wealth accumulated during her late husband's rule from 1965-1986. A military-backed People’s Power revolt in 1986 forced the Marcoses into exile in Hawaii where the dictator died three years later.

Imelda, at the burial ceremony of her husband and former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos

Authorities in the country has estimated that Marcos, his family and cronies amassed more than $10 billion in cash, jewelry, assets, stocks and works of art during his 20-year rule. About half this amount has been recovered.

The former first lady, who denied that the family’s wealth was ill-gotten, has said that she will appeal the court ruling.

Her lawyer, Robert Sison told AFP: “The order is highly questionable. We will question that order”.
The flamboyant former first lady has been described as a keen art collector.