Unhappy returns: Imelda Marcos' 90th birthday bash ruined as scores rushed to hospital

MANILA, July 3 (Reuters) - Chaos erupted at the 90th
birthday party of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos on
Wednesday when more than 130 friends and supporters were rushed
to Manila hospitals with suspected food poisoning.
Emergency rooms in the city's Pasig area were inundated with
patients vomiting and suffering diarrhoea and dizziness,
according to staff who spoke to Reuters.
The Philippine Red Cross and a local community official said
at least 137 people had been sent to hospital during the party
at an indoor sports arena.
Marcos, the widow of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was not
affected, radio station DWIZ quoted her chief of staff as
saying. Video posted on Facebook showed people lining up at her
table to greet her.
"There are plenty more people under observation at the
party," said Edilberto Angeles, security officer of the local
community.
Marcos is famous for her massive collection of shoes,
jewellery and artwork. Her family remains a powerful yet
divisive force in politics and enjoys good ties with President
Rodrigo Duterte.
"The food may have been spoiled, but we remain solid," her
daughter and incoming Senator, Imee Marcos, told those left at
the party in comments streamed live on Facebook.
"Let's just take care of those who are in the hospital and
expect that we will visit each one of them."
The incident adds to more misery for Imelda Marcos, who is
the subject of dozens of graft cases that have hounded her since
her family was toppled in a popular uprising in 1986.
She was sentenced to 11 years in prison on seven counts of
corruption last year for making illegal bank transfers worth
$200 million to Swiss foundations while Manila governor in the
1970s. Marcos denies the charges and is on bail pending her appeal.

(Reporting Karen Lema; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Nick
Macfie)