Marcos lauded for humanitarian decision

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – The spokesman for the Marcos family yesterday lauded the late dictator for his alleged decision that saved the lives of millions of people who participated in the 1986 People Power uprising at EDSA.

Lito Gorospe said former President Ferdinand Marcos chose to step down and live the life of an exile rather than allow a bloodbath to happen had he ordered military soldiers loyal to him to quell the rebellion.

“Because of his humanitarian decision, the alleged millions who were at EDSA were saved from the carnage that would have transpired had he ordered his military supporters to end the revolt by force,” Gorospe said.

Should a survey be conducted, Gorospe claimed most Filipinos would say that life was better during Marcos’ time than it is today, 28 years after EDSA 1.

He said more people have been complaining about how hard life has become, as he claimed he heard people saying they were better off during the Marcos regime.

Television footage of the 1986 People Power showed then Armed Forces chief Gen. Fabian Ver prodding Marcos to order the use of force at EDSA, where civilians, police and military forces led by then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then Philippine Constabulary chief Gen. Fidel Ramos were massed up.

Gorospe said Marcos ignored Ver.