ATOM disputes President Marcos claim on family’s wealth

Members of the August Twenty-One Movement hold a protest in Makati yesterday.

MANILA, Philippines — The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) on Thursday disputed President Marcos’ claim that some of his family’s wealth was not ill-gotten, calling the statement untrue.

In a statement, the group said that it “vehemently” disagreed with Marcos’ assertion and accused the Marcos family of using lies and propaganda to defend its wealth.

ATOM cited the 2018 conviction of former first lady Imelda Marcos by the Sandiganbayan, which sentenced her to six to 11 years in prison for violating the anti-graft law.

The group said Imelda was found to have illegally funneled $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s while she was governor of Metro Manila.

The statement was issued as ATOM members held a protest in front of the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City, calling for the prosecution of government officials accused of corruption.

The group also criticized Marcos over his remarks on the family’s wealth and urged authorities to pursue accountability for corrupt officials.

The statement of ATOM comes after the President on Friday claimed victory over civil cases filed over the years against his family. Marcos said that the dismissal of cases is proof that their wealth is legitimate and not ill-gotten.