Marcos refuses to react to Sara Duterte's rant

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday refused to comment on Vice President Sara Duterte's threat to dig up the remains of his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. "I'd rather not. Thank you," Marcos told reporters after attending a mass for his father at the Libingan. The President also refused to comment when asked about the falling out with Duterte. "Let's talk about it some other time," he said. During a press briefing last Oct. 18, Duterte delivered a lengthy diatribe against the President and his family that highlighted the worsening feud between the former running mates during the 2022 elections. "One time, I told Senator Imee that if they (political attacks on the Dutertes) wouldn't stop, I would dig up her father's body and throw it in the West Philippine Sea," Duterte said. The vice president also said Marcos does not know how to govern the country. Marcos said he was deceived when Duterte mentioned that they were never friends. It was former president Rodrigo Duterte, the vice president's father, who allowed Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Libingan in 2016. President Duterte's decision was challenged before the Supreme Court by opponents of the Marcos martial law regime and survivors of torture and other human rights violations. The Court ruled that the remains of Marcos Sr. could stay at Libingan since he was a former president. The ousted president died in 1989 while in exile in Hawaii where the Marcoses fled after the 1986 People Power Revolution. On All Saints' Day Friday, Marcos Jr. vowed to continue the legacy of his father by working to drive the development of the country and improve the Filipinos' living conditions. In his remarks during his visit to his father's tomb, Marcos highlighted the sincerity and dedication of his father in serving the people. Marcos said that as a young child, he observed the good leadership qualities of his father. "So that my father could rest in peace, we need to continue the job that he had started; we will continue to develop the Philippines as well as continue to love Filipinos," he said. The President thanked all those who have continued to support the Marcos family over the years. "Our All Saints' Day became more meaningful because of your presence and because we feel your love for my father. Thank you very much," he said. Marcos and his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, attended the Mass for the late president. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the President encouraged Filipinos to spend time with family and loved ones, visit their departed, and offer our heartfelt prayers for them. "On these solemn days of remembrance, I join Filipino Catholics across the globe in honoring the lives of those who came before us, whose faith, love and sacrifice continue to inspire us all," Marcos said. "May these days of reflection rekindle in us the desire to be better, for each other and for our beloved country," he said. Members of One Movement Inc., who supported the former first lady, also paid their respects to the late president. Marcos Sr. was born on Sept. 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. He served as a military officer during World War 2. He went on to become a senator after serving three terms as a member of the House of Representatives. He later held the position of Minority Floor Leader before becoming Senate president. Marcos was elected president in 1965. He died on Sept. 28, 1989, and was buried at the Libingan with full military honors on Nov. 18, 2016.