Hero's burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos

         

          Today, many from this current generation are divided in the issue if the chief architect of martial law deserves the same honor that of national hero at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. The burial of Marcos issue is still alive, decades after his death. President Benigno Aquino III had already denied the burial of Marcos (Villafania, 20011). In contrast, the late Ferdinand Marcos deserves a hero’s burial because he has also the right to be respected.


          Marcos should be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” as a soldier not as a hero. This has been said by Rep. Rodolfo Biazon. It is because as a soldier he had served his country. The congressman also pointed out that one of the requirements for someone to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” is that “he should have been a soldier who served honorably”. One proof of this is he had fought during World War II in Bataan. He had showed bravery and gallantry in combat. Marcos’ greediness with his power who had abused many people during martial law had been the insisting topic considered by President Aquino not to bury Marcos in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. Aquino said many of the victims of the Martial law years have not been accorded any apology or compensation by the government. Marcos claimed that martial law was the prelude to creating a “new society” based on political views. During such times, the military take over the executive, legislative and judicial functions by virtue of its constitution. However, there are situations in which such measure is taken in order to cater selfish and corrupt desires to remain in power. Marcos and his corrupt, fascist and dictatorial rule had a total rejection during EDSA1. The people power revolution arises to topple and end Marcos regime. The true empowerment of democracy was exhibited in EDSA by its successful efforts to oust a tyrant by a demonstration without tolerance for violence. These are the cases wherein Marcos doesn’t deserve to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”.


          On the other hand, all presidents, heroes and soldiers are allowed to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. Marcos had been a good leader who only aims the best and modernization for our country. He had a good record as president and Filipinos expected him to be one of the best. Marcos being the 10th President of the Republic of the Philippines, he had various socio-economic and physical infrastructure accomplishments benefitting many Filipinos. He focuses on the construction of roads, and establishments of health centers and schools. He improved agricultural production to make the country self-sufficient in food, especially in rice. Marcos also tried to strengthen the foreign relations of the Philippines. His greatest achievement was he had helped the country economically. In improving our society Marcos launched number of economic programs. In his time Philippines has become one of the transporters of rice. He also focuses in the tourism of our country. The country was also became the remittances of overseas Filipino workers. These overseas Filipino workers not only lessen the country's unemployment rate but also earned much-needed foreign exchange for the Philippines. Marcos’ economic performance was strong. He was able to manage in uprising our country that has been already in its downfall. He also serves our country as a great soldier. These are the good points on why Marcos should have a hero’s burial in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”.


          They are saying that Marcos could have been a good leader, but I think he did well in fulfilling his tasks as a President. He made progress in education, agriculture, and industry. He declared Martial law to impose discipline within our country. Philippines is at its best during Marcos’ regime, I must say. We were able to compete globally in other countries. Marcos’ time only prove that we can be a better country and could undergo some changes for the better. I took a stand in giving Marcos’ a hero’s burial in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. It is because all of the presidents were just the same; they have been greedy for power. Marcos’ just use his power to implement what he wants for the country. He knows that he could give improvement and gives justice to his “new society”. This issue has been already argued for a long time; maybe it’s time for us to decide that Marcos deserves a hero’s burial. It is good that President Benigno Aquino assigned Vice President Binay in deciding regarding this matter. It was a great move to give it to someone who has no personal attachment and biases on the decision he will make. Marcos becomes a good, wise and responsible leader of our country.


References:


Time to bury Marcos. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/15/11/enrile-time-bury-marcos-libingan-ng-mga-bayani


Libingan ng mga Bayani. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/222701/news/nation/biazon-libingan-ng-mga-bayani-for-marcos-but-not-as-president


Burial proposal Under Review. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/politics/11183-marcos-burial-proposal-to-be-studied-.html


The New Society. Retrieved December 5, 2011 from http://countrystudies.us/philippines/28.htm


Marcos Administration. (nd). Retrieved Decmber 21, 2011 from http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_history/marcos_time.html