MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Wednesday is set to conduct oral arguments on the petitions filed against the burial of late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he will allow the burial of Marcos at the national cemetery. The plan, however, was met with opposition that reached the high court.
Tune in to the live audio streaming of the afternoon session of the oral arguments scheduled at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.
Listen to the morning session of the oral arguments below.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last August 7 then issued a memorandum asking the AFP chief of staff, Gen. Ricardo Visaya, to conduct the necessary preparations and facilitate the coordination of all agencies concerned in the ceremonial and security requirements of the interment.
A number of martial law victims led by former political detainees and activists leaders, however, filed a petition asking the high tribunal to stop the hero’s burial planned for Marcos. The petitioners said the burial would be a "grave injustice" to victims of martial rule, which he oversaw as president.
Acting on the petition for certiorari, the Supreme Court then temporarily stopped preparations for the planned burial of Marcos through an issuance of status quo ante order. The halt order is effective for 20 days as the court prepares for oral arguments on the petitions against the former president's final interment.
The oral arguments on Marcos burial’s case was originally scheduled August 24 but was moved to August 31. Aside from the petitioners, respondents Lorenzana, Visaya and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos are expected to attend the oral arguments.