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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte had no knowledge about the burial of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. yesterday, his spokesperson said.
“President Duterte was not informed of the date of burial,” Ernie Abella told a news conference. “It was the (Marcos) family’s decision kung kailan nila ililibing.”
Duterte was currently in Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
“[There was] nothing sneaky about Marcos’ burial,” Abella said. “The President hopes those who are against the burial will find space in their hearts to forgive and the burial may bring a cycle of healing.”
Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, told the press he was as surprised as anyone.
“Naisahan kayo ’no? Ako nga naisahan rin e. (Thursday) ko lang nalaman,” he said. “Doon kasi ako mas nag-concentrate kay Kerwin (Espinosa) kasi patay naman na ’yan, wala nang magkaka-interes patayin pa ’yan.”
Dela Rosa added: “Basta sa amin sa PNP, let us be very clear on this: ’Yong papel lang
namin diyan sa hero’s burial is to maintain peace and order sa palibot ng Libingan ng mga Bayani kung may magra-rally.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Restituto Padilla said there were arrival honors right when Marcos’ remains arrived at the Libingan. “Burial rites lasted for one hour, and the Philippine flag was handed to (Imelda Marcos).”
Only Marcos’ wife Imelda, children former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos, and a handful or relatives were present.
‘WE WANT IT SOLEMN’
Imee Marcos apologized and disclosed the burial was kept private to avoid distractions and for it to be solemn.
“Humihingi kami ng dispensa at pang-unawa ninyo sa naging pasya ng aming pamilya na maging payak, pribado at taimtim ang libing ng aking ama,” she told a news conference at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong lahat na nagpatotoo sa kaniyang karapatang mailibing sa Libingan ng mga Bayani,” she said. “Kasama naming kayong nangarap at nanalangin sa halos tatlong dekada.”
On Nov. 8 the Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated petitions blocking President Rodrigo Duterte’s order that Marcos be buried at the Libingan.
Associate justices Arturo Brion, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Jose Perez, Teresita de Castro, Jose Mendoza, and Estela Perlas-Bernabe favored the Libingan burial, while Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and associate justices Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza and Benjamin Caguioa dissented.
“There are certain things that are better left for history — not this court — to adjudge. The court could only do so much in accordance with clearly established rules and principles,” stated part of the decision.
“Beyond that, it is ultimately for the people themselves, as the sovereign, to decide, a task that may require the better perspective that the passage of time provides. In the meantime, the country must move on and let this issue rest,” it added.
Marcos was supposed to be buried at the Libingan on Sept. 18, but the high court halted the Defense department’s preparations with a status quo ante order, issued three times, to give way for thorough deliberations, including oral arguments.
The Libingan ng mga Bayani is dedicated for slain AFP personnel, war heroes, former Cabinet officials, national artists, national scientists, and former presidents./PN
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