On Marcos' Burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani By UP SESC | August 15, 2016
The many years under the Marcos administration brought about much struggle and heartache in the Filipino people. His period in power was characterized by violence, human rights violations, and corruption. With a reported estimate of 70,000 victims either detained, tortured, or killed, countless more suffering from hunger or extreme poverty and the country as a whole burdened by the PHP395.51 billion debt his administration has accrued, Marcos’ time in power was marred with controversy, rallies, and criticism from both victims and bystanders.
To this very day, the wealth of the Philippines that was stolen under the Marcos administration remains unaccounted for, and the pleas, questions, and struggles of his victims’ and their families continue to fall on deaf ears. Ferdinand Marcos will forever be remembered as a corrupt politician, a ruthless dictator, and an unethical leader.
He is anything but a hero.
The School of Economics Student Council is one with the voice of opposition from the Filipino people over the burial of the late dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Whilst he deserves to rest in peace just as any other person, he does not deserve to be laid to rest with the many heroes who dedicated their lives for the betterment of our nation.
Beyond opposing Ferdinand Marcos’ burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the School of Economics Student Council also calls for the improved dissemination of information regarding the Martial Law period, as well as educating the youth regarding these dark times in our nation’s history. The people of our nation are our future and they deserve to know the truth about the Marcos administration. They deserve to have the knowledge and tools to ensure that the Philippines and the Filipino people never fall victim to this form of cruelty again.