[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’ Marcos’ remains can’t be exhumed SC junks motions vs Libingan burial ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
MANILA – The remains of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. may not be exhumed from the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Dismissing all motions filed against it, the Supreme Court en banc yesterday voted 10-5 to uphold its earlier decision to allow Marcos’ burial at the Libingan.
“The motions for reconsideration, as well as the motion/petition to exhume Marcos’ remains at the [Libingan] are denied with finality,” read part of the latest decision. “The petition for indirect contempt is dismissed for lack of merit.”
Among the junked motions were filed Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay, former Commission on Human Rights chairwoman Loretta Rosales, former senator Heherson Alvarez, Zaira Patricia Baniaga, Algamar Latiph, and detained senator Leila de Lima.
The indirect contempt charges were filed against the Marcoses and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for hurriedly burying the former president even with pending motions.
Its duty was only to determine if Marcos’ burial at the Libingan was constitutional, the Supreme Court said, also noting that President Rodrigo Duterte did not violate any law when he allowed the interment.
Marcos was buried at the Libingan on Nov. 18 last year even though the Supreme Court decision allowing it was not yet ruled as “final and executory.”
On Nov. 8 that year, the high court voted 9-5-1 to dismiss consolidated petitions against Duterte’s order that Marcos be buried at the Libingan.
“There are certain things better left for history – not this court – to adjudge. The court could only do so much in accordance with clearly established rules and principles,” stated part of the Nov. 8 decision.
“Beyond that, it is ultimately for the people themselves, as the sovereign, to decide a task that may require the better perspective that the passage of time provides. In the meantime, the country must move on and let this issue rest,” it added.
The Libingan is dedicated for slain AFP personnel, war heroes, former Cabinet officials, national artists, national scientists, and former presidents./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
