Bongbong Marcos sees healing, unification after SC ruling

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gives a media interview in Tacloban City, after the Supreme Court rules on Nov. 8, 2016, that his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., can now be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. (Joan Bondoc/INQUIRER

TACLOBAN CITY — It was an answered prayer and a gift to the Filipino people.

This was how former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., described the decision of the Supreme Court allowing the burial of his father, dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

He expressed optimism that the decision of the high court would pave the way for “healing and unification” since the issue on the burial of his father has polarized the country.

The young Marcos was in Tacloban to attend the commemoration of the third anniversary of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” on Tuesday when he learned about the
high court’s decision.

The former senator’s mother, Imelda, hails from this city.

“It is something that we have been praying for so many, many years and it is an answered prayer. I think it is a very good development and a very good gift to the country,” he said.

Marcos also expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court justices, particularly those who voted in favor to allow his father to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Marcos also expressed his family’s gratitude to President Duterte for allowing his father be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“He has been a strong supporter on this issue. That’s something that he is consistent about. The Marcos family is grateful to the President,” the former senator who ran but lost for Vice President.

Asked when they would bury his father, Marcos said the family had yet to discuss the matter particularly with their mother.

“The decision will all be made by my mother. This is a family decision, although this is something with national import, especially when it comes to my father, “he said.

“But once we finalize the decision, we will inform you,” he said, referring the public.

Marcos urged those who opposed the burial of his father to the Libingan nga mga Bayani to accept the decision although he recognized their the right to question or file a motion for reconsideration on the ruling.

“I hope that they will accept the decision of the Supreme Court and allow to see beyond their political concerns and go beyond that and see that this is important, as I said, for the unification and healing process, “he said.  SFM