Malacañang Reacts To Statement of Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Recalling Dad Rodrigo’s “Goodwill” on Marcos Sr.
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Palace reacted to the remarks of the Davao Congressman over the burial of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Heroes’ Cemetery.
The burial of the late former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) is undeniably one of the most controversial events in the history of the Philippines — apart from his ouster through the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Marcos Sr. who served as the dictator of the Philippines prior to his ouster in 1986 died in 1989 but was only buried in 2016. He was 72 when he passed away in exile in Hawaii. Reportedly, the former Chief Executive died of cardiac arrest following a long battle with his illnesses.
Human rights groups were against the burial of the former dictator at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. During his term, then-Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte allowed the burial of the former President at the Heroes’ Cemetery despite the objections of many Filipinos.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte even threw questions for the protesters of the burial of Marcos Sr. at the Heroes’ Cemetery. The interment came as a surprise to many Filipinos. Then, Duterte was out of the country to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in Lima, Peru.
“Was Marcos a president and soldier?” Duterte asked amid the protests.
After 36 years since his presidency ended, the only son of the late former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. made it to the presidential post. However, currently, it is no secret to the public that Marcos Jr. is not in good terms with the Duterte family.
The rift was triggered by the arrest and the transfer of custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. Marcos Jr. is even accused of alleged betrayal of public trust for surrendering his predecessor to the foreign authorities.
In his defense, Marcos Jr. claimed that the government only acted on its duty. He also stressed that the issue between Duterte and the ICC was already there even before he came into the picture. Malacañang claimed that the move was allegedly in lieu of the country’s commitment with the Interpol.
Recently, on the first year since former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte was arrested by the Philippine authorities and sent to The Hague, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte recalled the alleged “goodwill” of his father to allow Marcos Sr.’s burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery.
“It was my father who allowed the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to finally be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani—a decision he made in the spirit of reconciliation, healing, and respect for history,” the younger Duterte said.
Recently, based on a report of ABS-CBN News, Malacañang reacted to the recent remarks of Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte over former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte allowing the late former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Heroes’ Cemetery. Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that it was allegedly in line with the laws.
“Ang pagpapalibing ng labi ni dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ay naayon sa batas,” the Palace official said.
Furthermore, based on the report, Atty. Claire Castro also claimed that Pres. Bongbong Marcos is grateful for what former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has done. However, he cannot tolerate any act of criminality.
“Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay nagpapasalamat sa ginawa ni Pangulong Duterte… pero ang pagtanaw ng utang na loob ay hindi kinakailangan na itolerate o tulugan ang anumang akusasyon ng kriminalidad. Hindi din puwede ipikit ng gobyerno at ng Pangulo ang mata sa sinapit ng mga complainants sa ICC,” Castro added.
Previously, Davao Mayor Baste Duterte stressed that they will fight back and even told Pres. Bongbong Marcos that he allegedly “never be loved”.
