The chief lawyer for the Philippines government has asked the Supreme Court to set aside a twelve year jail sentence against Imelda Marcos -- the widow of the late President Marcos -- and to acquit her of corruption charges.

The Solicitor General in the Philippines, Romeo de la Cruz, said a 1993 conviction against Mrs Marcos had been based on an erroneous application of the law.

She has remained free on bail while an appeal was being considered.

Mrs Marcos, who originally intended to compete in last month's Presidential elections, later dropped out and called on her supporters to vote for the candidate who eventually won, Joseph Estrada.