MANILA, Philippines – Various groups on Tuesday gathered at the Supreme Court vicinity in Manila as they await the magistrates’ ruling on the burial of late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Marcos loyalists started their protests last Monday and held an overnight rally in front of the SC. Marcos’s daughter Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos attended the gathering and lead lighting of candles for his father’s burial.
These supporters marched from Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila to the gates of the SC. They sang Asin’s “Pagbabalik” as they urged justices to rule in their favor.
On the other hand, groups opposed to Marcos’s burial at the heroes' cemetery staged a prayer rally and concert at the Luneta last Sunday. Former President Benigno Aquino III and Liberal Party presidential bet Mar Roxas graced the event.
The Manila Police District has separated the groups while Padre Faura Street has been closed to traffic.
As of 11 a.m., the MPD said the are an estimated 200 Marcos supporters there while anti-Marcos protesters number around 300.
For Marcos loyalists, the hero's burial will bring healing to the country. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
Supporters of the Marcos kin insists peace will prevail after the burial of the late president at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
Anti-Marcos burial protesters also gather at the Supreme Court. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
The anti-Marcos protesters cry "Marcos is no hero."Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
Ilocanos also lit candles in front of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol at 8 p.m. on Monday to signify the eight votes needed to defeat petitions against the burial.
—Text by Rosette Adel; Photos by Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV