Construction at Marcos’ LNMB gravesite has resumed – Army spokesman

The Philippine Army confirmed on Thursday that construction activities on the gravesite for former President Ferdinand Marcos have resumed at the Libingan ng mga Bayani following the decision of the Supreme Court.

"Nagsimula na yung ginagawa, yung construction bumalik uli kasi wala nang status quo order," Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said in a statement.

Hao said the construction activities are being undertaken by private persons hired by the Marcos family.

But Hao, protocol officer of the Marcos burial, said the Army is still on the planning stage of the burial site of Marcos, saying only pavements work started since the SC ruling.

"May sinimento na, sinimento na yung parang pathway, however nahinto dun dahil nga sa status quo order, tapos kahapon nagsimula na ulit," he said.

By a vote of 9-5, the 15-man SC dismissed the consolidated petitions seeking to stop the burial backed by President Rodrigo Duterte, according to SC spokesman Theodore Te at a press conference on Tuesday. 

Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes, a fraternity brother of President Rodrigo Duterte at the San Beda College of Law, inhibited from the deliberations due to reported close relations with a party in the case.

Meanwhile, Hao said the Marcos family gave no specific instructions until a final date on the burial is scheduled.

"Nakipag-coordinate ako sa Marcos family and I asked them if they have any concerns that we need to address, so wala naman daw. They are also waiting dun sa final coordination ng date, kasi nga may mga planning considerations," he said.

Hao added the Marcos family is also undecided on whether to construct a tomb or a statue on the site of the former dictator at LNMB.

"Ang authorized is a tomb and a statue, kaya lang wala pang advise kung tomb or statue yung ilalagay," Hao said. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News