Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre is the latest of many government officials to publicly state that the late President Ferdinand Marcos was no hero.
In an interview on CNN Philippines’ The Source, the Secretary said that while he doesn’t want to comment on the recent Marcos Burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he does not believe that Marcos was a hero.
“No. Nobody is claiming-except for some-that Marcos is a hero. But I don’t think he’s a hero,” Aguirre said.
Aguirre, a former anti-Marcos activist, was reluctant to comment on the legality of the Marcos burial, which was done prior to the 15-day window for the filing of a motion for reconsideration.
He instead reiterated a statement by the Supreme Court Spokesperson.
“According to the spokesman of the Supreme Court, he said that since there is no order stopping the burial, they could do it.”
When asked about his personal opinion on the burial, Aguirre chose to keep mum.
“This has been decided by the Supreme Court but I don’t want to comment on whether this could be done within the 15-day period when the other party groups could still file for a motion for reconsideration.”
Aguirre was careful not to contradict the President’s stand on the issue.
“I am supposed to be an alter-ego of the president, so I’d rather keep my peace,” he said.
