No date has been finalized for the planned burial of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City amid the opposition from various groups.
“There is no definite date as of now. The only ceremony certain is he will be accorded ceremonies fitting a president,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a Palace press briefing.
The President earlier gave the green light to the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, saying he deserves such funeral because he was a president and a soldier.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office has been assigned to lead preparations for the burial rites of the former leader.
The Marcos family reportedly wanted the former leader buried at the heroes’ cemetery on September 18. Several lawmakers and other human rights groups, however, have strongly opposed the burial of Marcos at the Libi-ngan ng mga Bayani due to massive corruption and Martial Law abuses during his watch.
The Palace, however, insisted that President’s decision on the Marcos burial is based on law.
Abella also brushed aside concerns that the Marcos burial would dilute the law providing reparation for the Martial Law victims in the country.
“His basis is the fact that FM was a past president and that is what he’s being given consideration for. It does not have any reference to other, he’s not making any reference to the dilution of any law,” he said.
(Genalyn D. Kabiling)
