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Sunday, September 18, 2005
Marcos hits Arroyo for using pa's burial as leverage
MANILA -- Ilocos Norte Representative Ma. Imelda "Imee" Marcos lashed at President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Saturday for using as political leverage the issue of whether her father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, should be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Marcos accused Arroyo of playing with the emotions of her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Speaking at the "Kapihan sa Sulo" forum Saturday, Marcos denied that the presence of former President Corazon Aquino in the anti-Arroyo movement is the reason why Imelda supports Arroyo.
"Despite our political differences, our family never considered the Aquinos as enemies. Ginagamit lang nila ang Nanay ko (They are just using my mother). President Arroyo knows that my mother's lone desire is to have my father buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani," Marcos said.
The congresswoman said if she had her way, she would rather have the former president buried in his hometown Batac in Ilocos Norte.
Imelda, however, wants to have the deposed president interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani because she believes that her husband deserves it, being a former head of state.
Congresswoman Marcos asked the Arroyo administration to stop using the name of the Marcoses in order to regain the trust of the people and not to give her mother false hopes by respecting the deceased president.
The young Marcos reacted to reports that her mother supported Arroyo to get back at the Aquinos.
"My mother is being taken for a ride. I'm appalled by the pretenses of this administration. It was all for show," she added.
She reiterated that there is no secret deal between the Marcos and the Arroyo in exchange for the former President's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The congresswoman has been criticized by some opposition lawmakers for not showing up during the presentation of the justice committee report dismissing the impeachment complaint against Arroyo before the plenary of the House of Representatives.
"Whatever happens, I will remain a part of the movement that opposes the leadership of President Arroyo," Marcos said, adding that her "principles have not changed nor has any desire to continue to fight for the leadership and government that our country deserves."
"I am not for sale and I cannot be bought. I will continue the battle I started in Congress and on the streets with the interest of the Filipino people in my mind and in my heart," she added during the same forum.
The congresswoman explained that her absence was against her will but she had to give way to the beliefs of her mother and the decisions of her family. (JPM/Sunnex)
(September 18, 2005 issue)
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