Manila – The Government of Philippines said in Manila on Tuesday that the gem and jewellery collection of former Philippines First Lady, Imelda Marcos, was under appraisal in preparation for a possible auction.
The Presidential Commission on Good Government said the items included a rare 25-carat pink diamond, a range of necklaces, brooches, and crowns made from Burmese rubies.
The commission said others are diamonds from India and South Africa and emeralds from Colombia in various sizes.
It said government has invited appraisers from international auction houses Christie’s and Sotheby’s to inspect three sets of jewels held at the Philippines Central Bank’s vault.
The commission said an assessment made in 1988 and 1991 valued all three collections then at 5 million dollars to 7 million dollars.
“The appraisal will “significantly open the way for determining a final resolution on the said assets, including the possible auction of the same.
Marcos ruled for 20 years until he and his family were forced into exile by a four-day mass uprising in February 1986.
Members of his family still face dozens of corruption charges for allegedly stealing billions of dollars from the country’s coffers.
The family has made a comeback in politics, with Imelda Marcos holding a seat in Congress, her son a senator and eldest daughter a provincial governor.
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Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Junior is running for vice president in 2016 national elections. (dpa/NAN)