Rody likely to skip Ferdinand Marcos centennial birthday rites

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is likely to skip the 100th commemoration of the birth of former president Ferdinand Marcos tomorrow, which will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Chief Executive will still be in Davao tomorrow.

According to the Media Accreditation and Relations Office, the 100th birth commemoration of Marcos at the Libingan is not in the official schedule of the President.

He is likely to visit another military camp, a source privy to the President’s schedule said.

This came after Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos invited congressmen and senators to the celebration of Marcos’ birth anniversary. From all indications, only a few of the lawmakers would show up.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he did not receive an invitation. “I have better things to do,” he said.

Opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay, one of those invited, said the Libingan party shows that “the Marcoses’ shamelessness is beyond words and their sense of entitlement knows no bounds.”?

His opposition colleague Tom Villarin of Akbayan said he “puked” on the invitation upon receiving it.

Several administration allies who received invitations said they are not sure if they could attend, since the House has morning and afternoon sessions tomorrow to continue tackling the proposed P3.8-trillion 2018 national budget.

Leftist group Bayan Muna said it would hold rallies at the Libingan to protest the late martial law ruler’s planned 100th birthday celebration by his family.