The Height of Injustice

Issue 7 A.Y. 1112

Despite Vice President Jejomar Binay’s recommendations, President Benigno Aquino III declared that state burial or military honors will not be accorded to Former President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos. 
A state burial is an honor accorded only to heads of state, soldiers and other people of significant contribution to the country, while a funeral with military honors usually involves the firing of shots as salute and the draping of the flag on the coffin of the deceased. 

The fundamental question here is: is President Marcos worthy of these honors? Since his downfall, Marcos has been known for being a dictator and authoritarian. His administration was marked by human rights violations, corruption and nepotism. How could someone like that be accorded as a hero?

But upon further reflection, it would also be considerable to note that as a head of state, Marcos certainly made significant contributions to the country. His administration was marked by wide-ranging infrastructure development and economic reforms. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Philippine Heart Center and the North Luzon Expressway are some of the Marcos administration’s notable achievements that stand strong until now. Aside from his achievements as a leader, Marcos was also a lawyer par excellence and an acclaimed war hero. 

Aside from the aforementioned considerations, the interests of the Filipino people and the different sectors of society must also be noted. First and foremost, we must think of the victims of Martial Law; those who suffered from political persecution, torture, and those who lost their loved ones. As President Aquino put it, it would be the height of injustice to honor the mastermind of all their sufferings. However, people like Gregorio Honasan and Bongbong Marcos believe that Aquino’s decision caused nothing but division in the country, and made worse the suffering brought by Martial Law.

Taking these things into consideration, I believe President Aquino made the right decision. I believe the Libingan ng mga Bayani must be put in a pedestal; it is an honor that must be bestowed only upon those who made positive contributions to the Philippines and its people. Yes, President Marcos was brilliant and made remarkable progress during his administration, but these achievements cannot overshadow the fact that he plunged the Philippines into military rule, violated the Filipinos’ human rights and sunk our country into millions of debts.

We should recognize the achievements of this man as leader; that is giving him what is due. But by declaring him a hero, we are rewriting history and overglorifying a dictator.

Trixie Peralta, 11A


* Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA