PBBM honors late father; no comment on VP Sara

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Inspired by the works and wisdom of his father, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed on Friday to carry on his father’s legacy by working to drive the development of the country and improve the living condition of ordinary Filipinos. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remembered his late father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., on Friday as the country commemorates All Saints’ Day.

Marcos and his mother, Imelda Marcos, heard a Holy Mass beside the grave of his father at Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City, joined by other family members and friends.

Supporters wearing red also went to the cemetery to show their support.

After the Mass, Marcos delivered a short message where he thanked everyone who joined them in remembering his father.

He said his father’s lessons remain his guiding force, especially now that he is the president of the country, even as he vowed to continue his legacy.

“Alam ninyo pagka mayroon tayong patay nakalagay diyan RIP, rest in peace. Siyempre ‘yan din ang ninanais natin para sa aking ama. Ngunit hindi sapat na sasabihin lang natin rest in peace (We say RIP, or rest in peace, whenever someone departed. Of course, that’s what we want for my father. But it’s not enough to just say rest in peace),” the President said.

“Para mag-rest in peace ang aking ama, kailangan ipagpatuloy natin ang trabahong sinimulan niya, ipagpatuloy natin ang pagpaganda ng Pilipinas at ang pagmamahal sa Pilipino (For my father to rest in peace, we need to continue the work he started, to continue the development of the Philippines and to continue loving the Filipino people),” he added.

VP Sara threat

After the ceremony, reporters asked Marcos to comment on the recent threat made by Vice President Sara Duterte that she would dig Marcos Sr.’s remains and toss them into the West Philippine Sea if the alleged political attacks against her continue.

“I’d rather not. Thank you,” the President responded.

“Let’s talk about it some other time,” he replied when pressed if his relationship with his UniTeam running mate has reached the point of no return.