Ferdinand Sr. told President Marcos: Do what is right

On 109th birth anniversary of FM

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos urged government officials to “do what is right” and put the interest of the nation first as he led the commemoration of the 109th birth anniversary of his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in Batac, Ilocos Norte yesterday.

Marcos attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish before proceeding to the Daytoy Ti Bannawag Monument, also known as the Marcos Monument, for a wreath-laying ceremony.

The President earlier declared Sept. 11 as a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte.

The late Marcos was born on Sept. 11, 1917 in the town of Sarrat.

The President was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and their sons, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and William Vincent Marcos.

The event was attended by Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Speaker Faustino Dy III, Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba and Batac Mayor Markee Chua.

In his speech, the President reminded government officials to exercise good judgment, put the nation’s interest first and always consider the best for the Filipino people.

“One lesson that I remember (my father) would say was to not take the easy way out... to do what is right, no matter how difficult that may be,” Marcos said.

“It is a principle that guided him throughout his life, from his service as a soldier to his years in public office and eventually as president. I today carry the responsibilities of that office, but the same principles continue to guide me every single day,” the President said.

Marcos expressed hope that the occasion would bring Ilocanos together in celebrating their shared home and heritage.

“He loved this place. He loved his fellow Ilocanos. More than that, he loved his fellow Filipinos and he loved his country, to which he devoted his life,” the President said.

Marcos was scheduled to return to Manila yesterday afternoon to visit the tomb of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.