MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos family have lost their claim to a 57.68-hectare resort in Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
In a decision, the Sandiganbayan voided a 1978 lease agreement between then President Ferdinand Marcos and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).
No legal rights to own a national park
The anti-graft court’s First Division ruled that Marcos did not legally own the property because the area covered by the lease agreement was “inalienable public domain,” being part of a national park.
“The Paoay Lake and lands within one kilometer from its water line… was declared to be a national park and therefore considered public land. These were therefore outside the commerce of man,” read the decision.
The ruling covers some 154 lots under the lease contract between Marcos and the PTA, including those which are already covered by approved patents to his children and grandchildren. (The Philippine Star)