Imelda still pushing for Libingan burial for FM

LAOAG CITY — Hope springs eternal.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos reiterated her wish yesterday for the burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City.

"Panahon na bigyan na siya ng isang disenteng libing (It’s time to give him a decent burial)," Mrs. Marcos told reporters here after a program commemorating the 87th birth anniversary of her late husband.

Marcos died in 1989 while in exile in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since then his remains have been kept in a refrigerated crypt at the family museum in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Imelda’s wish was almost realized in 1998 at the start of the administration of former President Joseph Estrada, a known friend of the Marcos family. But the plans were aborted when political and human rights groups voiced their opposition.

In her latest pitch for a hero’s burial for her husband, the former first lady said that Marcos satisfied "not only one, but four" government-set qualifications for a hero’s burial at the "Libingan."

She said that, besides being a former president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Marcos was also a recognized World War II veteran and guerilla and a recipient of the Medal of Valor.

Hundreds of Marcos loyalists from Metro Manila joined local residents in attending the morning program in front of the provincial capitol.

But the Marcos children were not around. It was learned that Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Rep. Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta were abroad to attend to some important commitments.

Rep. Roque Ablan Jr. and Laoag Mayor Michael Fariñas led speakers in extolling the virtues and exploits of Marcos amid the applause of those gathered for the event.

A Marcos confidant, Ablan drew hearty smiles from Mrs. Marcos when he said that the late president was a handsome guy and was attractive to women during his younger years "but he did not waver because his heart belonged only to Imelda."

This year’s celebration was simple and austere, which Marcos spokesman Lito Gorospe said was in keeping with President Arroyo’s call for austerity.

The day began with a mass at the Batac Church followed by a flower offering led by Mrs. Marcos at the mausoleum. The short program at the capitol, which was highlighted by the unveiling of photographs of Marcos’s war medals and memorabilia, ended with a lunch.

After lunch, Mrs. Marcos presided over a video presentation at the Ilocos Heroes’ Hall across the capitol.