The decision on the scheduled burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani has been put off by the Supreme Court (SC) once again, as the status quo ante order (SQAO) on defense department’s preparations for the burial is extended to November 8, according to SC Public Information Office chief Theodore Te.
On the question as to why the Court has extended the decision, Te answers with a, “Nope. That’s it.”
The burial was initially arranged on September 18, which was met with numerous protests due to the strong opposition of the victims of his dictatorial rule.
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However, it is not clear whether a final decision would be given on the event that the SQAO expires again, having the knowledge that since its issuance on August 23, the order has been extended twice.
Previously, at least 1,000 supporters of the former President convened an overnight vigil in front of the SC wherein the SQAO in opposition to his burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani will take place.
Some of the supporters who came were from the ousted dictator’s home province, Ilocos Norte, where the Marcoses continue to reign supreme. His children, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, and Irene Marcos, were also present in the vigil.
President Rodrigo Duterte deems Marcos eligible for a burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani because he was a former soldier and president of the country.
However, Martial Law victims and rights groups argued that according to the Republic Act 289, those who served as inspiration and models for emulation have the right to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
To this, the government clarifies that Marcos would not be receiving the “hero” status as they acknowledge the “dark pages of history during Martial Law” but a burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani states otherwise.
Source: (gmanetwork.com)
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