Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Former President Ferdinand Marcos’ remains can finally be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani under the administration of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos, whose two-decade rule was ended by a people power revolt that ousted him in 1986, died in exile in Hawaii in 1989.
His remains were brought back to the country in 1993 and has since been kept in an air-conditioned crypt at the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, his hometown in Ilocos Norte.
“I will allow the burial of President Marcos (at the) Libingan ng mga Bayani not because he is a hero … but because he was a Filipino soldier,” Duterte told reporters late Monday (May 23) in Davao City.
The Marcos family thanked Duterte for his “kind, rightful and healing gesture.”
“It has always been our family’s position that it is our father’s right under the law to be buried there being a soldier and a former President of this country,” Marcos’ son, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday (May 24).
The Libingan ng mga Bayani was established in 1947 to pay tribute to Filipino soldiers and fallen heroes, and to serve as a final resting place for former Philippine presidents, war veterans, notable government statesmen, dignitaries and national artists.
However, Marcos’ critics oppose a hero’s burial for him because of the alleged human rights abuses, extra-judicial killings, and ill-gotten wealth he allegedly accumulated during his dictatorship.
Also read: Sociologist explains: Despite father’s dictatorship, why are Marcoses still popular?
Over 26 years after Marcos’ death, Duterte said arrangements for his burial can finally be made.
“Okay ako [I’m okay with it]. I don’t mind. What would be the appropriate time to bury him,” he said. The burial can coincide with Marcos’ birthday on September 11, Duterte said.
Duterte has always expressed support for Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani even during the election campaign. He said the issue has been a source of division among Filipinos.
Sen. Marcos said his family hopes Duterte’s pronouncement would lead to the country’s unity with the Marcoses.
Related: Marcos on Martial Law: It was 30 years ago
Also read: Pres. Aquino: Marcos regime was not a ‘golden age’ in our history
CNN Philippines’ senior correspondent Ina Andolong reported from Davao City.
