The disposable income of the Marcoses from 1965 to 1984, based on their own income tax declaration was only US$957,487.75 (they did not file any SALN, contrary to law). This did not stop them from purchasing more than $25,000,000 worth of artwork by the world’s masters within this period. As the country reeled from natural and economic disasters, money that rightfully belonged to the Filipino people was being channeled to fund a decade long shopping spree.

The Filipinos were oblivious to this, as the media was controlled, but as the dust of the EDSA Revolution settled, receipts and other documents evidencing these purchases were discovered in Malacanang Palace, together with empty frames hanging on its walls. As the Marcos fled Manila, vans were observed to have hastily left Philippine government properties in United States, including the Olympic Tower apartment in 5th Avenue or in the East 66th street apartment in New York, loaded with numerous crates, never to be seen again. The paintings have disappeared.