The son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos was convicted Monday of tax evasion and sentenced to nine years in jail.
A court found Ferdinand Marcos Jr. guilty of not filing tax returns and not paying taxes from 1982 to 1985 while he served as governor of his father's home province, Ilocos Norte.Marcos, 37, also was fined $2,800 and told to pay about $333 in back taxes.
After the verdict was read, Judge Benedicto Ulep immediately ordered police to arrest Marcos, who did not attend the hearing at the Regional Trial Court in suburban Quezon City.
Marcos, who pleaded not guilty, said he never collected his salaries as governor. He said they were deposited for a scholarship fund for the poor. The court said Marcos received his salaries and found no evidence they were used for charitable or civic purposes.
"As provincial governor, the accused knew the importance of taxes," Ulep said. "It follows, then, that he was well aware of a citizen's duty, as it was also his, to file income tax return and pay the taxes due."
The Philippines has no jury system; a judge decides on cases and imposes sentences.
A family aide said Marcos was out of the country. Court Clerk Gina Palamos said she was unaware of any court permission for him to travel abroad.
Marcos' mother, Imelda, faces similar charges in the same court, but Palamos said the judge has not yet scheduled the announcement of his decision on her cases.
Marcos lost a bid for a Senate seat in May. He claimed the administration cheated him of victory and filed a protest, which has not been resolved.