Apo Marcos turning in grave over siblings’ feud?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, visited their father’s grave at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City separately ahead of Undas, an unusual family split that mirrors the political rupture between the siblings.

The Presidential Communications Office said Marcos visited the tomb of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on 30 October, accompanied by his mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, his sister Imee Marcos Araneta and other relatives.

A staff member of Senator Imee said the lawmaker had also visited their father’s grave before traveling to Ilocos Norte over the weekend but did not specify the date.

The siblings have been estranged amid political differences.

The separate visits revived an irony in Philippine politics involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration pushed through the burial of Marcos Sr. at the heroes’ cemetery despite strong opposition and legal challenges.

Duterte had promised during his 2016 presidential campaign to have Marcos Sr. buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. He ordered preparations for the interment, which took place on 18 November 2016 after the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking to stop it.

Nearly nine years later, the Marcos Jr. administration had Duterte arrested last year under an International Criminal Court warrant and turned him over to the tribunal in The Hague, where he faces allegations of crimes against humanity over his administration’s war on drugs.

Marcos defended the arrest, saying the government was fulfilling its obligations to Interpol.

Senator Marcos, on the other hand, has chosen to ally herself with the Dutertes.

Keeping bonds alive

Meanwhile, Marcos urged Filipinos observing All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to remember departed loved ones through acts of kindness, compassion and service.

He said the annual observance brings families together as they visit cemeteries, offer prayers and recall the lives of those who have passed away.

“Even in their absence, those we have lost continue to bring us closer together, keeping alive the bonds that have made the Filipino family and the whole nation resilient and strong through challenges,” Marcos said.

He also urged the public to extend the spirit of remembrance to people in need.

“If we can make time to revere those who have passed, we can also make room to listen to those who struggle, and let that same concern guide our society and the work of government,” he said.

Filipinos traditionally visit cemeteries and memorial parks on 1 November, All Saints’ Day, and 2 November, All Souls’ Day.