President Marcos visits father’s tomb

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos opted not to join the influx of people visiting cemeteries on All Saints’ Day, preferring to visit the tomb of his late father and namesake ahead of the observance.

The Chief Executive went to the final resting place of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Oct. 30, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

His mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, his sister Irene Marcos-Araneta and close family members and friends were with him. The family attended a private mass, offered prayers and paid their respects to the late president during the visit.

In his message for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the President urged Filipinos to extend the spirit of remembrance through kindness, compassion and service. He also cited the need to “listen to those who struggle” and let that same concern guide society and the work of government.

“May we also draw inspiration from the saints, whose lives of selfless service and devotion remind us to show greater kindness and compassion toward one another,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

“Let us honor those who have passed not only through our prayers, but also through the way we care for those who remain,” he added.

Marcos also expressed hope that All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day would bring peace to those who mourn and remind Filipinos to cherish the people they hold dear.