Malacañang declares holiday in Ilocos Norte for Marcos’ 100th birthday

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – It will be a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte on Monday, September 11, to allow the province to celebrate the centennial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation Number 310 by the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte, “declaring Monday 11 September 2017, as a special day in the Province of Ilocos Norte.” 

“The Ilocano community has been annually celebrating the birthdate of the late Ferdinand E. Marcos and commemorating his life and contributions to national development as a World War II veteran, distinguished legislator and former president,” the proclaimed, dated September 6, said.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Ilocos Norte be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” it added.

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin. However, he grew up in nearby Batac town, which is acknowledged as the Marcoses’ hometown.

His decades-long rule as president is particularly remembered for the imposition of martial law, a period when thousands were arrested, tortured, killed, or had disappeared. He was ousted in a people power revolt in February 1986, and died in exhile in Hawaii years later.

The Marcos family was allowed by the government of Fidel Ramos to return home, on the condition that his body would be buried in Ilocos Norte. Almost two decades later, President Rodrigo Duterte allowed Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. His decision was supported by the Supreme Court, sparking protests.

Recently, President Duterte floated the idea of giving the Marcoses immunity from law suits if they would return part of their ill-gotten wealth. Political personalities, including Vice President Leni Robredo and some congressmen, opposed the idea. – Rappler.com