MANILA, Philippines - It’s a stalemate for the country’s two most prominent political clans: the Libingan ng mga Bayani issue is non-negotiable for the Aquinos in the same way that no apology is forthcoming from the Marcoses for the martial law regime.
A spokesman for President Aquino has hinted that with the way opposition Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – a candidate for vice president in May – has comported himself, a repeat of the 20-year authoritarian regime could be in the offing.
“If martial law, human rights violation and plunder under his late father was the golden age of Philippine democracy, what’s to stop him from committing the same abuses of his father’s regime?” Secretary Edwin Lacierda asked, referring to Marcos’ refusal to issue an apology.
Marcos has repeatedly said he has nothing to apologize for any mistakes his father made and that he would only do so if he himself did it. Aquino wanted an apology from the Marcos family, including Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.
In November 2015, Malacañang renewed its attacks on Marcos, who criticized the government because of the embarrassing bullet-planting scandal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, saying the senator could not even acknowledge martial law abuses.
“Unlike Marcos who continues to deny the abuses of martial law and the corruption, impunity and human rights violations that occurred during the Marcos regime, of which he was a part, the President recognizes that there is a problem,” Lacierda said.
He added the administration is addressing the issue and is taking concrete steps so travelers will have peace of mind and no passenger will be subjected to unfair prosecution.