Burying Marcos at Libingan does not make him a hero, says Panelo

MANILA, Philippines - The burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani does not make him a hero, President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal adviser said, amid fierce debates on whether the late dictator deserves the honor. 

In a statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the view of each Filipino on Marcos, not his burial place, would determine whether he is a hero or not. 

“It should be made clear, however, that the Supreme Court ruling does not make the former president a hero. What is clear from public sentiment is that he will remain a scoundrel to some and hero to others,” Panelo said in a statement. 

“The truth is heroes are heroes whether they are buried at the Libingan or under a pile of rock; and ditto for scoundrels. It is each Filipino’s opinion of the former president, and not his final resting place, that will ultimately cement his status as hero or scoundrel,” he added. 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed petitions challenging the legality of Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Voting 9-5 with one abstention, the high court said no law prevents the interment of Marcos at the heroes’ cemetery. According to the court, the late president was not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude. 

The Supreme Court also disagreed with petitioners who claimed that Marcos was dishonorably discharged during the 1986 EDSA revolt, noting that the disqualification only covers the military. It also noted that Marcos was a former president, soldier and lawmaker and can therefore be interred at the Libingan.

Duterte had said that he is in favor of burying Marcos at the heroes’ cemetery because it would put closure to the issue and allow the Filipinos to move on. The president clarified though that he is burying Marcos as a former president and war veteran as the debate on whether Marcos was really a hero may not be resolved for now. 

Those opposed to the burial said the ruling constitutes “injustice” to human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. They also claimed that a hero’s burial for Marcos sends a wrong signal and could lead to historical revisionism. 

Panelo said the varying views of Marcos is “part of a healthy democracy” but “forcing one’s opinion on others is not.” 

“Because of the sacrifices of many, we enjoy the right to voice our opinion on the former president and on the Supreme Court’s decision. So, yes, exercise your right. Protest or celebrate, as you wish. The president (Duterte) may not agree with what some might say, but he will die fighting for everyone’s right to say what he or she pleases,” Panelo said.  

“Congratulations are in order to all Filipinos. 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,” he added. 

Panelo said while the government sympathizes with the victims of martial law and their families, the Supreme Court ruling “should be considered a victory for both the sympathizers and critics of Marcos."

“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 said.