Let departed guide us, says Marcos

As the country marked All Souls' Day on Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to remember the lessons their departed loved ones had taught them.

"On this solemn All Souls' Day, we remember our departed loved ones with gratitude. What lessons did they impart that still guide you today?" Marcos said in a social media post.

Earlier, the President told Filipinos to ponder the reason for their lives and to remember the bravery of the saints and the recently deceased so that they could handle the challenging times better.

Marcos said that acts of faith should "bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a good life here on earth, as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ."

"At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed had shown so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world," Marcos said.

Marcos had declared 1 and 2 November, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, respectively, official holidays.

"This time comes as a refreshing gift, for we can also enjoy reuniting with our loved ones while receiving much-needed nourishment for our spiritual lives," he said.

Marcos and his family went to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on 1 November to pay their respects to his late father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Vice President's statement

For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to celebrate the lives of their departed loved ones and offer prayers for their souls.

"May this be an opportunity for Filipino families to be together to celebrate the lives of their departed and offer earnest prayers for the salvation of their souls," she said in a statement.