#ilibing na

The Supreme Court has spoken.

And even if there are others who do not agree with the High Tribunal’s decision, it will remain so—unless the SC reverses itself.

 

Finally, after 27 years, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos will be laid to rest—at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, no less.

True enough, Martial Law victims have not taken the decision well. And what was being touted about as the “ultimate act of reconciliation” between the “red” and “yellow” forces—and everything else in between—is both proving to be off the mark and thoroughly wrong.

Judging from posts in social media, the Marcos loyalists are not quite magnanimous with their court victory. Something that can also be said to those on the other side of the ultimate political divide in the country; for they have been protesting endlessly against the burial of the late president at the heroes’ cemetery.

True enough, Mr. Marcos’ burial at a place considered as “hallowed ground” is indeed a closure for his family and legions of loyalists. But for those on the other side, it is the ultimate act of disrespect and betrayal.

For whatever it’s worth, only one side in the great divide would be moving on should the late president’s burial be realized. But to believe that this act would ultimately revise history as we know it may be stretching it a little too much.

Mr. Marcos’ accomplishments and failings in his presidency will remain so even if he is buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. In the same manner that those who chased him out of the country one fine day in 1986 will remain against him and everything he stood for.

But for the country’s sake—as well as for those who were born well after 1986—let us at least all agree to bury the dead. And no matter where Mr. Marcos is buried, nothing much will really change.

He would remain a hero in the eyes of his family and loyalists; and murdering, plundering dictator for the other side. The Filipino people and history have already judged him thrice—twice when he was elected and reelected as president, and once when he was ousted in 1986.

For all his successes and frailties, the least that can be done is for his remains to be finally laid to rest. And after such, both sides can continue debating, arguing, harassing and haranguing each other to their hearts’ desire.

But first, let us just bury the dead.