Aquino is taking a calculated risk. Imelda’s return could be Manila’s last hope of recovering some of the $350 million the Marcoses allegedly siphoned into Swiss bank accounts. Prosecutors plan to try the former First Lady on 11 counts of tax evasion. Switzerland has threatened to unfreeze the Marcos assets if Manila doesn’t prosecute by December. While lawyers negotiate over Ferdinand’s final resting place, Imelda is planning a Nov. 4 arrival in Manila. That could mean political trouble for Aquino: a recent “Imelda is in our hearts” signature campaign was successful. Her lawyers claim concern about potential assassins, though protection is in the government’s interest. According to Imelda, “only God” will keep her away now.
