MANILA, Philippines - The president of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) issued a public apology on Sunday amid criticisms on the presence of former First Lady Imelda Marcos at an event for the school’s scholarship foundation.
“Please know that in the education of our youth, Ateneo de Manila will never forget the martial law years of oppression and injustice presided over by Ferdinand Marcos,” Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin said in a statement.
Photos showing Villarin, school officials and students posing with the late strongman’s wife circulated on social networks over the weekend.
Ateneo alumni and other netizens criticized a photo which shows Imelda striking a pose with some students making the “V” or victory hand gesture, historically associated with those loyal to the late dictator.
Her son, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has hinted at joining the presidential race in 2016.
Critics cited the work of alumni from the Ateneo High School’s “freedom batch” of 1986, who participated in the People Power revolt that drove the Marcos family from power.
Netizens also remembered the fate of Ateneo alumnus Edgar Jopson, who was among the most outspoken youth leaders against the Marcos regime. After being forced to go underground, Jopson was captured by the military in 1982 and killed.
Villarin said Imelda was invited to the 40th anniversary of the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation (ASF) last Saturday.
He explained that the proceeds from the Van Cliburn piano concert organized by Imelda in 1974 was the initial donation to the fund. The ASF is not an official school arm of ADMU, but is financed by contributions from the university’s alumni.
“I apologize for any doubts that may have arisen on the mission of the school and the pain this event may have caused,” Villarin said.
“As I hope for your understanding, I would like to assure you that we in the administration have learned our lesson to be more mindful of those we invite to our celebrations,” he said.
“More importantly, I would like to reaffirm that we have not forgotten the darkness of those years of dictatorship and that we will not compromise on our principles in forming those who would lead this nation,” Villarin added.