Konsyensya Dabaw joins other Filipinos in lighting candles and praying for a just decision of the Supreme Court (SC) concerning petitions on the burial of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).
We thank the SC Justices who have taken time to hear and study the different views about the issue. As they prepare to vote, we call on the SC to resist efforts to reduce the matter to questions of technicality and the letter of the law. We urge them to see through the machinations of forces who are using the deceased Marcos to advance their own self-serving interests against those of Filipinos who continue to suffer the injustices and consequences of 21 years of strong-man rule.
Members of Konsensya Dabaw show photographs of the 15 Supreme Court justices during the candle-lighting vigil in Davao City on Monday night, ahead of the anticipated Supreme Court ruling on Nov. 8 on the Marcos burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Mindanews photo
The rule of law that we are praying for is not just a mechanistic application of existing regulations, but transformative efforts to prevent any glorification of, and return to a violent past under authoritarian rule and the triumph of the oligarchy.
We exhort President Duterte to expand his advocacy on historical injustices committed against Mindanawons and Filipinos, and include those committed under the Marcoses. He need not look far for examples, the Davao region has a long list of people who suffered directly under the unjust government of Marcos. A number of those who supported his candidacy, and those serving in his administration were victims of the brutality unleashed by Marcos. The Bangsamoro and the indigenous peoples who figure prominently in his speeches on historical grievances suffered systematic disenfranchisement and abuse under Marcos.
We will continue to hold the Duterte administration accountable for fulfilling the Human Rights Victims
Reparation and Recognition Act (RA 10368 as amended by RA 10766), which makes it a State responsibility to recognize the heroism and sacrifices of the victims of human rights violations during the regime of Marcos.
We also challenge ourselves and other Filipinos to continue to effectively educate our fellow citizens, particularly the young, about our history and struggles, the dangers of dictatorship, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Walo para ang katarungan panalo!
KONSYENSYA DABAW (Hugpong Dabawenyo para LNMBatac)
Contact Person: Mags Z. Maglana
Konsyensya Dabaw is composed of Dabawenyos and supporters who want Marcos buried in Batac and not at the LNMB
