MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the memory of his late father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., during a solemn All Saints’ Day observance on Friday (01 Nov 2024).
Marcos, accompanied by his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, attended a Holy Mass by his father’s grave at Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City. They were joined by family members, friends, and supporters dressed in red to pay their respects.
Following the Mass, President Marcos expressed gratitude to those in attendance and reflected on the lasting influence of his father’s teachings. He vowed to uphold his father’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of continuing his father’s vision for the country’s progress.
“Alam ninyo pagka mayroon tayong patay nakalagay diyan RIP, rest in peace. Siyempre ‘yan din ang ninanais natin para sa aking ama. Ngunit hindi sapat na sasabihin lang natin rest in peace,” Marcos said. (“We say RIP, or rest in peace, whenever someone passes. Of course, that’s what we want for my father. But it’s not enough to just say rest in peace.”)
He added, “Para mag-rest in peace ang aking ama, kailangan ipagpatuloy natin ang trabahong sinimulan niya, ipagpatuloy natin ang pagpaganda ng Pilipinas at ang pagmamahal sa Pilipino.” (“For my father to rest in peace, we need to continue the work he started, to develop the Philippines and to continue loving the Filipino people.”)
No Comment on VP Sara Duterte’s Threat
Reporters later asked the President about recent statements by Vice President Sara Duterte, who threatened to remove Marcos Sr.’s remains from Libingan ng mga Bayani and cast them into the West Philippine Sea if perceived political attacks against her persist.
President Marcos declined to comment, saying, “I’d rather not. Thank you.” When pressed further, he responded, “Let’s talk about it some other time.”
This silence has fueled speculation about tensions within the political alliance between Marcos and Duterte, though no further details were provided.
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