Accused in $284b fraud case claims to be son of Marcos

A Filipino property developer claimed he was the son of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos when he appeared in court yesterday in connection with a US$36.5 billion (HK$284 billion) fraud case.

Tiburcio Villamor Tan Marcos, 52, is accused of submitting to HSBC through two German men between March 24 and 30 a copy of forged HSBC receipts mentioning a sum of US$36.5 billion. Prosecutor Kevin Zervos told the Eastern Court that Marcos claimed to be the son of the late Philippine dictator. 'There will be an inquiry to determine the identity of Marcos and establish his status and whether or not he is the son of the late Marcos,' Mr Zervos said.

In asking for bail, Marcos said he would try to obtain documents to prove his identity. He told the court he had no intention of committing fraud. 'I only intended to make known my name,' he said.

It is understood Marcos gave several photos to police apparently showing him with the late dictator.

He faces one count of using a copy of a false instrument and one of overstaying. No pleas were entered. Marcos was said to have arrived in the SAR in February and his visa allegedly expired on March 19.

He was among six people arrested at three hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei at the weekend, including two German men, now out on bail.