PNoy rejects hero's burial for Marcos: report

source: abs-cbnnews

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has rejected the burial of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the Associated Press (AP) reported Friday.

In an interview with AP, Aquino said he would not allow the former dictator to be buried at the national heroes' cemetery in Manila, where former presidents, military officials, and prominent national leaders are laid to rest.

"Not during my watch," he said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier proposed that Marcos be buried with full military honors in his home province of Ilocos Norte.

Aquino said his decision weighs the opinion of Marcos followers and those who suffered under the yoke of his dictatorship.

According to AP, Malacañang officials want to know if military honors have already been given to Marcos after his body was brought to Batac in 1993.

If he was accorded the privilege, then, all that needs to be done is Marcos' burial, Aquino said.

A Palace official earlier said that Aquino is not in a hurry to make a decision on where Marcos should be buried and whether he should be given military honors.

Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said the President wants to hear the opinion of other sectors, including human rights victims of the Marcos years.

The Palace also confirmed for the first time that Binay had recommended that Marcos be buried in Ilocos Norte where he would be given military honors.

“The option that’s on the table is the recommendation of the Vice President that he be buried in Ilocos with military honors and that’s what being considered,” Carandang said.

“The Vice President’s recommendation would be the main aspect. That would be the template from which we would proceed. But the President wants to hear other opinions. I think he feels he owes it to people who were victims to hear their opinions at least before he makes a decision. Again, it’s not something we have to decide tomorrow. This has been pending for 20 plus years and there are many other things that we need to address right now. It’s not something that we feel that we have to decide on today,” he said.

source: abs-cbnnews