MANILA, Philippines — While no definitive date has been set for the burial of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, he will be buried as a president, a Malacañang official said on Thursday.
"The only thing that is certain is that he will be accorded ceremonies fitting a president," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a televised press briefing.
Marcos is set to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City, following an order of President Rodrigo Duterte. The plan has been met with protests by groups recalling atrocities during the martial law years under Marcos.
Abella repeated earlier statements that Duterte's decision to have Marcos buried at the Libingan was because he was a former president.
"From the PRRD's perspective and basis is the fact that FM (Ferdinand Marcos) was past president and that it was being given consideration for. So he is not making any reference to the dilution of any law," Abella said.
On Wednesday, the Palace said the president has allowed demonstrations against the burial of Marcos at the Libingan and has ordered the deployment of a few enforcers to manage traffic conditions around the areas.
The remains of Marcos, who died in Hawaii in 1989, were flown to the Philippines and have since been interred in a crypt in his hometown in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
Reports said earlier on Thursday that the mausoleum has been closed to the public and the former president's body has been transferred to a coffin. — with Philippines News Agency