Imelda Marcos celebrates 73rd birthday

Описание: (2 Jul 2002)

1. Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos (in red gown) dancing
2. Marcos dancing
3. Marcos silver shoes
4. Marcos dancing with her American lawyer James Linn
5. People watching
6. Marcos singing
7. Guests applauding
8. Marcos talking
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Imelda Marcos, Former Philippine First Lady:
"I do hope that the Lord will give me the power and the strength, to do what I really want to do - to love, to give, because my philosophy in life is that the only things you keep are those you give away. You given so much to me.Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a truly happy, happy birthday".
10. Fireworks
11. Imelda Marcos with children
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Imelda Marcos, Former Philippine First Lady:
"My birthday wish is that finally, hopefully, within the year, the truth will prevail and all of these cases and all of these persecutions will stop, to give us a chance to move forward."
13. Pan of guests at party
14. Imelda Marcos cutting birthday cake

STORYLINE:

The flamboyant former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, has celebrated her 73rd birthday with a glittering outdoor party in the capital Manila.

Wearing a bright red gown accented by ruby earrings, brooch and bracelet, Marcos greeted hundreds of well-wishers who attended Monday's celebration, held on the eve of her birthday.

Marcos herself led guests on the dance floor.

She was joined by dozens of friends and her American lawyer James Linn.

After singing to her guests she made a short speech, in which she expressed gratitude to the people who had remained her friends since the Marcos were ousted from power more than fifteen years ago.

She said her birthday wish was to be proved innocent of the accusations filed against her in court.

Marcos is accused of funnelling allegedly ill-gotten gains into private companies and foundations in Switzerland when she was minister of human settlements in the 1970s.

The charges are part of a much wider case against Marcos which allege she and her husband plundered the economy during his 20-year rule.

Ferdinand Marcos served as president of the Philippines from 1966 until he was ousted in a popular revolt in February 1986.

He and his family were driven into exile in Hawaii, where he died three years later without admitting any wrongdoing.

Marcos's successor, Corazon Aquino, accused the former president of stealing billions of dollars and ordered many of his assets seized.

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