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MANILA, Philippines – Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos said her family would respect the upcoming decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on the petitions seeking to stop a hero’s burial for her father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
Imee made the assurance on Monday, November 7, a day before the High Court is expected to finally release its ruling on the petitions.
At least 8 votes are needed to overturn President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Some petitioners and SC sources told Rappler only 5 justices were certain to stop the burial. (READ: Petitioners vs Marcos burial still expect close SC vote)
Imee, however, downplayed several reports predicting that a higher number of SC justices would rule in the Marcoses’ favor.
“‘Di ako naniniwala sa ganyan eh! Dahil unang-una, ‘yang mga hula-hulang ganyan, nakakamalas eh! Mas maigi na lang magdasal at isipin na sa puno’t dulo, ang batas pa rin ang mangingibabaw,” said Imee.
(I don’t believe in those things! First of all, those predictions tend to be unlucky! It’s better for us to just pray and believe that in the end, the law would prevail.)
“Wala kaming masyadong spekulasyon sa pamilya. Ang amin lang, maghintay dahil kung anuman ang hatol, talagang sasang-ayon ang pamilya. Tulad ng sinabi ni Apo Presidente Duterte, eh dapat sumunod tayo sa Supreme Court,” she added.
(The family is not really speculating. For us, let’s wait for the ruling. Like what President Duterte said, let’s follow what the Supreme Court says.)
The magistrates had extended the deliberation time twice, prompting both pro- and anti-Marcos groups to stage rallies, vigils, and concerts. The SC justices will release their decision on Tuesday, when the status quo ante order expires.
On Monday, Imee joined Marcos loyalists calling themselves the “Pray for Pr8 (Pro-8)” movement as they marched from Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila to the SC gates, where the governor led a candle-lighting ceremony.
Members of the following groups are expected to stay in front of the SC overnight:
- United Team BBM
- Kabataang Barangay
- Marcos Loyalists Cavite, QC, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque,Bulacan
- Friends of Imelda R Marcos
- Tamaraw Riders
- Maharlika Groupo
- BBM Youth Movement
- Apo Group
- Helping Hands Organization
Burying Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani was Duterte’s campaign promise to the late dictator’s family. (READ: CJ: Why use public funds to fulfill Duterte’s promise to bury Marcos?)
Duterte said laws and military guidelines allow a hero’s burial for Marcos because he was a president and soldier.
But the move was strongly opposed by human rights activists and Martial Law victims, prompting petitions before the High Court. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines had also opposed the move, citing Marcos’ fraudulent war record.
On October 16, Duterte urged SC justices not to decide on the basis of “emotion,” but reiterated that he would abide by the decision of the High Court.
But for Imee and other Marcos loyalists, it’s time that Filipinos “move on” from the past.
“Sana bigyan na lang natin ang kagustuhan ng nakararami, kung anuman ang hatol ng Supreme Court ay sumang-ayon tayo. At dapat ‘yun nga, ‘yung sinasabi namin dati, ilibing na [si Marcos] para maghilom na, magkaisa na, at mag-move on na ang Pilipinas,” said the governor.
(Let’s consider what most people want and whatever the Supreme Court decides, let’s agree with it. And like what we have been saying, let’s bury Marcos so the country will heal, become united, and the Philippines would be able to move on.) – Rappler.com
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