Despite his reported aversion to the return of Martial Law, vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. simply cannot be trusted with a higher public office, Malacañang said yesterday.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. argued that Marcos, son and namesake of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, lacks honesty and accountability amid his refusal to recognize the atrocities during the Martial Law regime.
“Trustworthiness of a person is based on honesty and accountability. Mr. Marcos’ record as a vice presidential candidate shows that he is seriously lacking in both aspects,” Coloma said in a text message.
“He continues to paint a rosy picture of what actually happened during Martial Law and glosses over the oppressive character of the dictatorship,” Coloma added.
Marcos earlier said he does not favor the return of Martial Law in the country since it would indicate the country has plunged into another crisis. He added that there was nothing to fear about his family’s return to national power, saying they are people of good will.
The Palace, however, is leaving up to the voters to make a decision whether or not they would elect another Marcos in power.
“Should our people trust a candidate who refuses to acknowledge what actually happened and attempts to divert attention from reality? Our Bosses know better and we trust they will decide wisely on Election Day,” Coloma said.
At the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution last Thursday, President Aquino openly campaigned against the vice presidential bid of Sen. Marcos, warning about the possible return of the dark years of Martial Law.
Aquino hinted that Marcos is likely doomed to repeat the mistakes of his father since he has refused to recognize and apologize for the Martial Law abuses. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” Aquino said recalling the words of writer George Santayana.
At the same EDSA gathering, Aquino asserted that the Martial Law era was not the golden age of the Philippines as falsely propagated by the Marcos camp to deceive today’s youth.