Leni disturbed by ‘conspiracy’ on FM burial

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Leni Robredo is “disturbed” that the police and military have participated in disregarding a judicial process in relation to the burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Friday, noting that Filipinos were insulted and “cheated” once again.

Speaking at the Philippine Investment Retail Conference in Taguig City yesterday, Robredo said the burial of Marcos was carried out before the Supreme Court decision had become final and executory.

“We are disturbed that this happened in coordination with some government agencies (which) have participated in disregarding a judicial process,” she said.

Robredo did not identify the government agencies during her speech but stated on a separate statement on Friday that she was “disturbed” that the burial happened in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The heroes’ cemetery is under AFP’s jurisdiction and it leads preparations for a burial there.

The PNP, meanwhile, deployed thousands of policemen to ensure peace and security in Metro Manila during and after the interment of the late dictator.

Several groups are preparing charges of indirect contempt against the Marcoses and the military for supposedly executing a decision that has yet to become final and executory.

“We were alarmed by the brazenness of its execution but what is (scarier) is that a huge part of us was no longer stunned that this was actually happening. Hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses and now a hidden burial with complete disrespect for the rule of law,” Robredo said.

Asked about President Duterte’s statement that the burial followed the legal process, the Vice President – also a lawyer like the Chief Executive – said the ruling had not yet become final and executory as appeals would still be filed.

“It feels like we were cheated again,” she added in Filipino.

Robredo – a member of the Cabinet as housing czar – on Friday issued a scathing statement condemning the burial, saying it was “like a thief in the night.”