The highly controversial planned burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos this September in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (unless the Supreme Court decides against it) has once again opened old wounds and stirred up anger long buried in the subconscious of many Filipinos who suffered the most during the martial law regime.
President Duterte has given the go-signal for the late dictator to be given a state burial fitting a former soldier and president of this country and not necessarily because he is a hero. But still the militant groups would not hear of it and have started several protest moves. As of this writing, they are awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court on the cases they have filed to stop the burial.
I no longer harbor strong negative feelings against the Marcoses, but neither do I sympathize with their plight. Though I am inclined to side with the militants, I do not share just as much their opposition against Marcos’ burial in the Libingan. However, I would like to share some insights and views regarding the matter.
- To the Marcos family, let the president finally rest in peace in the place where he really belongs—which is Batac, Ilocos Norte, the place of his birth. There he is still loved, admired and respected by the majority of the residents. Why insist on his burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where he could be subjected to insults and disrespect by the people who are against him?
- Keep the former president’s remains in Batac, as is. There his family and others can visit, pray over him even daily, without encountering inconveniences, unlike if he were buried in Taguig. How many from his province will take the time to visit his tomb here? In Libingan, chances are, he will soon be forgotten, unlike if he is kept in Batac, his waxed figure beautifully encased in glass, to remind his people and the next generations of how their leader looked like.
- It’s time the Marcoses made peace with themselves and with the people who are alienated from them. The Marcoses should respect their sentiments. Let their healing continue. As it is said, “Don’t rock the boat.”
—THERESA PILI-NISPEROS, Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila