The dead should be laid to rest, but their legacy — whether it’s noteworthy or horrifying — lives on. In the case of the late dictator president Ferdinand Marcos, let’s just say his legacy is very controversial.
The mausoleum in Batac City, which houses what is being referred to as the remains of the president, has reopened in time for his 99th birth anniversary.
ABS-CBN News reports that prior to that, it had been closed for a month due to preparations for the late dictator’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, as well as maintenance operations.
On Sun, Sep 11, the late ousted president’s birth date, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos gave a speech addressing his critics.
Another ABS-CBN News report quoted the governor as saying, “Sana anuman ang kasalanan ng aking ama — sapagkat hindi naman niya kailanman sinabi na siya ay hindi tao lamang na nagkakamali at nagkakasala — mahanap na nila ang kapatawaran.”
(“I hope that whatever the sins of my father were — because he never said that he is more than a mere human who errs and commits sins — they can find forgiveness for him.”)
She added, “Sa pagpapatawad sa atin, sa aking ama, sa pagpapatawad, sana mapawi na rin ang galit nila at sila mismo ay mabigyan ng kapayapaan at katahimikan.”
(“In forgiving us, and my father, I wish that their anger will be assuaged so they can have peace and tranquility.”)
Then again, the governor’s words can’t exactly wipe away the horrors caused by her father’s regime.
More than 3,000 Filipinos were killed, around 35,000 tortured, and 70,000 jailed sans due process back then.
Unspeakable plunder was also done. At least $10 billion is believed to have been stolen from the nation’s coffers during those years.
It will take a whole lot more than a vague “sorry,” to make up for all the damage.
