SC halts preparations for Marcos’ burial at Libingan

Former first lady Imelda Marcos kisses the glass case that contains the frozen remains of former dictator and president Ferdinand Marcos on July 2, 2014. AFP FILE PHOTO

The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the preparations for the hero’s burial for late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

In its en banc session on Tuesday, the high court issued a 20-day status quo order and rescheduled the oral argument on August 31.

BACKSTORY: Martial law victims run to SC to stop Marcos burial at Libingan

A status quo order preserves existing situation. It preserves anyone from taking action on an issue until the matter is resolved by the court.

Six petitions have been filed in a bid to stop Marcos’ burial set for September 18.

Petitioners argued that Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani violates the Constitution and several laws.

READ: Hero’s burial for Marcos violates Charter, SC told

They said Marcos cannot be considered a hero taking into consideration the number of human rights violations committed during the Martial Law era.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), meantime, arguing on behalf of respondents, pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for Marcos’ burial at the Libingan is in keeping with laws.

“Marcos was, in life, a President, Commander-in-Chief, retired military veteran and Medal of Valor awardee, and thus, may be interred at the Libingan,” Solicitor General Jose Calida said.

Calida said that the move “does not confer upon [Marcos] the status of a ‘hero'” and is “not tantamount to a consecration of his mortal remains or his image.”

“No amount of heartfelt eulogy, gun salutes, holy anointment, and elaborate procession and rituals can transmogrify the dark pages of history during Martial Law… The world has read and heard all of these,” the OSG said. IDL