MARTIAL law survivor and now Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo denounced the burial of strongman Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani saying “Hindi bayani si Marcos.”
Taguiwalo said she survived the dark days of the dictatorship but was tortured and subjected to demeaning circumstances during Martial law. “Hinubaran ako, pinahiga ako sa yelo at buntis ako noon,” added the Secretary who was in the Summer Capital when nes broke about the late dictator being buried at the heroes’ cemetery.
Taguiwalo said when she was appointed into the position of DSWD Secretary President Rodrigo Duterte knew she was an staunch activist and anti- Marcos advocate
“This is my personal view; this is where I stand, galing ako sa kalsada,” added Taguiwalo.
The social welfare secretary said she has many close friends who died during the reign of the late strongman.
On Friday, the Marcos remains were flown in from Ilocos Norte and buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani in covert ceremonies which has shocked the nation triggering protests all over the nation.
READ: Marcos buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani
Taguiwalo is in the city for a DSWD National Management and Development Conference gathering regional directors for a convergence in preparation for its 2017 programs.
The Supreme Court (SC) on November 8 rejected a petition by Martial law human rights victims to halt the burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the resting place of former presidents, national artists, and heroes of war.
President Duterte, is an open ally of the Marcos family and has been vocal about his intent to allow the burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which was the late strongman's last wish, according to his family.
Taguiwalo has resigned herself to the decision of the President saying “Siya nga ang president,” adding his decision stands and should be respected.
The secretary said she is staying on the administration ticket because of the genuine compassion of the president to the poor cannot be questioned. “We have good projects and he is concerned for the well being of the people, [this will all change] kapag nawala yun,” added the secretary.
Meanwhile, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance in a statement has condemned the burial of the late dictator.
“This move is not only a grave insult to the victims of Martial law but an affront to the Filipino people who courageously fought under the darkest years of our history, Marcos is no hero. He was a puppet, corrupt, human rights violator and dictator,” the statement reads.
The CPA said in the Cordillera region, the Marcos dictatorship also unleashed its terror. From Abra to Kalinga, stories of horror were committed against indigenous peoples because of their defense of land, life and resources.
“Today, Marcos is buried at the LNB like a thief in the night as he did in 1973 when he declared Martial law. It is the Marcos style all over again.”