TWO DECADES after his death, debates over where to bury the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos remain unsettled, and it seems the wrangle won’t get any closure anytime soon. We asked some members of the Thomasian community for their take on the matter.
In this age, what makes a person a country’s “hero”?
“When he or she religiously pays his or her taxes.”
-Abigayle Guiritan, Nursing freshman
“One who works to serve the country.”
-Jerome Entico, Industrial Engineering senior
“One who saves lives.”
-Allan Claudio, security guard, Benavides Building
“When a person loves his country. It may be simple, but I think it’s enough to be considered a hero.”
-Regine Blanco, Journalism sophomore
Does Marcos deserve a hero’s burial?
“Many can’t deny that Marcos was a hero, and that alone gives him the right to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. People need to forgive in order to move forward. He’s already dead and he could never pay for all the burden he had caused the country.”
-Roberto Ampil, Filipino professor, Faculty of Arts and Letters
“No. First of all, Marcos was ousted by the Filipino people. How could he be a hero if he caused a lot of misery among Filipinos?”
-Maureen Aceron, Biology senior
“Definitely. He deserves to be in the Libingan because he was a World War II veteran, senator, and president. He also helped in uplifting the economy of the country during his term.”
-Santiago Cayabyab, security guard, Domus Mariae Residence
“I think he deserves to be laid to rest in the Libingan ng mga Bayani for the service and contribution he has rendered to the country.”
-Eva Olarte, Nutrition professor, College of Education
“No, because the Martial Law opened a culture of corruption, and it became institutionalized.”
-Leo Balante, copy editor, UST Publishing House
“His military records are controversial and dubious, making him unworthy to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.”
-Gene Atanacio, Social Science professor, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
“No, because his term was marred with scandals. This image of him defeats the essence of being buried there.”
-Mel Fonollera III, Accountancy sophomore
