MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel believes that the Supreme Court decision favoring a hero’s burial for former president Ferdinand Marcos should be seen as victory even by those who died fighting the dictatorship.

“The Court’s decision in the final analysis should be considered a victory not only for the former President’s sympathizers, but also for those who paid with their lives in fighting the former President in the name of democracy and the rule of law,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Thursday, November 10.

“For today, despite the former President’s transgressions, and after a fair and transparent process, the Supreme Court decided – an action supported by the results of a democratic election – on the basis of law and only law,” he added.

According to Panelo, the ruling proves that Philippine democracy is working smoothly. He reasoned that the Court decision was the result of a democratic process, starting with the landslide victory of Duterte who, ever since his presidential campaign, supported a state interment for Marcos.

Groups questioned Duterte’s decision to give Marcos a hero’s burial before the Supreme Court. The High Tribunal extended its status quo ante order on the burial twice, but ultimately ruled to allow it “on the basis of applicable law and regulation,” said Panelo.

The sequence of events leading to the decision proves that the current state of affairs in the country “is a far cry from conditions during the latter years of the former President’s regime,” he added.

Reflecting Duterte’s sentiments, Panelo said the decision does not make Marcos a hero, as a definition of a hero depends on individual opinions.

“What is clear from public sentiment is that he will remain a scoundrel to some and hero to others. The truth is: heroes are heroes whether they are buried at the Libingan or under a pile of rock; and ditto for scoundrels,” he said.

“Ironic as it may be to some, the days of tyrannical rule by one man or by the ruling elite appear to be behind us more so than at any point in our country’s post-martial law history,” Panelo added.

With a vote of 9-5, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 8, cleared all legal obstacles to a Marcos burial.

The decision drew extreme reactions. Some, including Marcos supporters, say it will lead to national healing and will recognize the late strongman’s contribution to the country. Others, Martial Law victims among them, see the burial as an insult to those who suffered under the Marcos dictatorship and an attempt to revise Philippine history. – Rappler.com