OBT Magazine

MANILA (AFP) – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos turned 80 on Thursday, claiming to be nearly broke but feeling vindicated more than two decades after her dictator husband was ousted in a popular revolt.

"I have reached the lucky number eight, for eight decades," the flamboyant Marcos told AFP as she distributed rice to hundreds of poor residents at a dumpsite converted into a sprawling housing area in a northern Manila suburb.

"My birthday wish is that I be given more health and a longer life so I can devote myself to helping the Filipino poor," she said.

Wearing pink national dress, jade earrings and sporting a large diamond ring, the woman known worldwide for her excessive lifestyle and 3,000 pairs of shoes still has something of a regal presence.

Her burly bodyguards jostled with a pack of press photographers as she waded through the crowd of supporters wanting merely to touch her.

"I have always been at peace with the truth," she declared. "I feel vindicated because no court has convicted me."

She said she is nearly broke after 23 years of "relentless persecution, vilification and ridicule" by the government, but remains happy that she has the support of her family and the poor.

Late husband and dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted by a "people power" revolt in 1986 which sent him into exile in Hawaii. He died in 1989 and Imelda and his children were allowed to return home.

In 1992, Imelda Marcos launched a failed bid for the presidency, but her children have since regained political control in their northern bailiwick.

While her husband is accused of plundering the national coffers of an estimated 10 billion dollars, no member of the family has been convicted or jailed.

Scores of criminal and civil cases however remain pending in courts.

So far, only 683 million dollars stashed in Swiss banks has been recovered by the government.

The fight to gain control of the Marcos wealth has in recent months focused on 310 million dollars in Imelda's confiscated jewellery. Confusion arose last month after the government said the jewels would be returned to Imelda, only to backtrack after a public outcry.

"That decision was vindication already to me. These are beautiful historical treasures that they should return," she said defiantly on Thursday.

She said she bears no grudges towards arch foe Corazon Aquino, widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino, who was swept to the presidency in 1986 after Marcos was toppled.

Corazon Aquino, 76, has been hospitalised since last week with colon cancer and is said to be in a serious condition.

"I asked all these people to offer prayers to her. I have peace in my heart and am comfortable with the truth. I am praying for her safe recovery," Marcos said.