Dozens taken ill after birthday party for Filipino dictator's widow Imelda Marcos

Food poisoning suspected as controversial shoe-loving figure turns 90

Filipino former first lady Imelda Marcos is greeted by a supporter during her 90th birthday celebration (EPA)

Almost 250 people were taken to hospital with suspected food poisoning after an event held to celebrate the 90th birthday of former first lady Imelda Marcos, officials in the Philippines have said.

As some of the guests vomited and others fell dizzy, dozens of ambulances attended the scene, disaster-response officer Bryant Wong said.

They had eaten a breakfast of chicken stew with egg and rice and drinking water, he added.

At least 244 people were hospitalised after the event at a sports centre in Pasig city, part of the wider Manila metropolitan area.

The incident curtailed what was intended to be a full day of festivities by more than 2,000 followers of the late dictatorial power couple.

Ms Marcos’ husband, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was deposed in 1986 in a “people power” revolution, amid accusations of huge corruption and violations of human rights violations. He died in Hawaii in three years later.

After he was removed from power, Ms Marcos now-infamous stash of shoes was discovered in Manila’s Malacanang Palace where they lived. Between 1,200 to 3,000 pairs were discovered.

Ms Marcos, who some believed had become the power behind the throne towards the end of her ailing husband's reign, was allowed to return to the Philippines in 1991 with her three children.

She relaunched her political career, running for president in 1992 and 1998, and winning a congressional seat in 1995.

Additional reporting by agencies