In a comment to the manifestation filed by the BSP, the PCGG asked the anti-graft court to move the paintings to the National Museum for better safekeeping, saying failure to do so could damage them.
The paintings, seized by the National Bureau of Investigation following an order from the Sandiganbayan, are currently housed in a BSP compartment.
“The BSP entreated the Honorable court to ‘direct the removal of the paintings from BSP and their transfer to such other place as this Honorable Court may deem appropriate,’ and to relieve the BSP of its liability as custodian of the paintings,” the PCGG said.
In their comment filed last week, the PCGG reiterated the reasons given by the BSP on why the paintings should be moved.
It said the BSP has no available storage space specifically designed or suitable for storage of valuable paintings, and that the paintings have been stored in Compartment No. 12, which is not an ideal storage area for the paintings.
“The paintings will deteriorate in six months if kept in compartment 12,” the PCGG pointed out.
In contrast, the PCGG said that the National Museum is equipped to handle and care for the paintings, while the case for the Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth continues to be heard.
“The petitioner respectfully recommends the National Museum as the new custodian of the seized paintings. The National Museum is equipped with the appropriate facilities and expertise necessary for the preservation and storage of the subject paintings,” the PCGG said.
For his part, National Museum director Jeremy Barns expressed willingness to preserve the condition of the paintings, pending final determination of legal ownership. —Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News
