‘Let no one sidetrack nation from pursuing justice and peace’

“Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Lk. 9:60)

The promotion of Church People’s Response strongly opposes any hero’s burial for dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Such a burial would make a mockery of the pain, insult and injustice suffered by all victims of human rights under the Marcos regime and of the Filipino people’s striving for change.

President Duterte received the trust and confidence of the majority by proclaiming himself a crusader for social change. To be sure, he is known for his simple lifestyle, his knowledge of the everyday condition, suffering and issues that ordinary Filipinos have been struggling with. Truly, a popular leader can always bring forth the kind of change beneficial to people.

Burying Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and spending people’s money to honor him run counter to the call for change that serves the basic needs and interest of the people. It is a glaring accommodation of the caprices of the ruling elite, perpetuating the opportunity they have long privileged themselves with—to redeem themselves from their sins and crimes against the people no matter how abominable their evil works. Without shame, they plunder and loot the nation’s coffer, stealing from the people, even curtailing the people’s civil and political rights while they wallow in looted extravagance and luxuries.

Indeed, the urgency to heed the call of the people for immediate relief from hunger, suffering and inequality is necessarily here and now. Instead of dwelling on matters that may add insult to injury and rub salt into the wound, let us pursue in uplifting the lives of the poor majority.

As the passage above states, let the “dead bury their own dead.” It is high time to let the remains of Ferdinand Marcos stay in his home province. Let no one sidetrack the nation from pursuing justice and peace.

Being faithful compels us to stand with the victims of human rights violations, the downtrodden and marginalized in seeking justice. We say it again with a resounding voice, NO TO MARCOS’ HERO’S BURIAL!

—NARDY SABINO, secretary general,

Promotion of Church People’s Response, [email protected]