When the Supreme Court (SC) allowed a hero’s burial for the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, it was a victory 27 years in the making for his loyal followers.
But the SC win was perhaps sweeter for Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, who is set to celebrate her 61st birthday 4 days after the High Court junked the petitions that sought to bar the interment of her father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. (READ: Supreme Court: Marcos was not pure evil)
On Tuesday, November 8, some Marcos loyalists even handed Imee flowers in the midst of their celebration at the gates of the SC.
Asked what the flowers symbolized, Imee said they were for her father, the magistrates, and herself because she is celebrating her birthday on Saturday, November 12.
“Wala, para sa tatay ko, para sa Supreme Court, dahil masaya ako. At higit sa lahat, birthday gift ko 'to kasi birthday ko sa Biyernes! Ay Sabado pala!” said the governor with a laugh.
(These are for my father, for the Supreme Court, because I am happy. But most of all, it’s a birthday gift to me because it’s my birthday on Friday! I meant Saturday!)
Imee then left the flowers and a small Philippine flag in front of the SC insignia found along Padre Faura Street in Manila.
She was all smiles on Tuesday, indulging the requests of photographers and cameramen for her to flash Marcos’ signature V hand sign left and right. "V" since the former president's time stood for "victory".
According to Imee, the 9-5 vote of the SC “delighted” her so, it also prompted her to thank the High Court for ultimately deciding in favor of her family. (READ: Imee Marcos 'delighted' over SC ruling, tells critics to 'let it go’)
Addressing her father’s critics, Imee said they should move on so the nation could heal – a common message among the Marcos family and their loyalists.
"Kung anuman ang galit, pagpopoot, hinanakit sa inyong puso, let it go na po. At pagpapatawad at mag-move on na tayo. Magkaisa na ang Pilipinas at isang buong-buong bagong Pilipinas ang ating itatatag," she said.
(Whatever anger, hatred, and resentment is in your hearts, let it go. Let's forgive and move on. The Philippines should unite and one solid, new nation is what we will build together.) – Rappler.com