Palace to public: Move on after SC decision on Marcos

MANILA - Malacañang on Tuesday called on the public to move on following the Supreme Court's decision to allow the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson released a statement to acknowledge the decision of the high court.

"We acknowledge the decision of the Supreme Court to have the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani as it is the final arbiter of all legal questions," it said.

The Palace also hopes that with the decision, the issue will "finally be laid to rest," allowing the whole country to "move forward."

"We hope the matter will finally be laid to rest, and that the nation find the wherewithal to move forward and to continue forging a nation that is peaceable, just and fair to all."

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Jose Calida considers the Supreme Court's "landmark" decision a "major step towards national reconciliation."

"The judicial imprimatur given by the Honorable Court vindicates the political wisdom of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to hasten unity and national healing. It puts to rest the bitter debate which has divided our people for far too long. It is a welcome development for the Filipino people who thirst for peace and change," he said in a statement.

Calida also commended the Supreme Court justices for maintaining their "judicial independence" amid appeals from different sectors.

"I am grateful to our magistrates who maintained their judicial independence throughout the proceedings despite strong emotional appeals from various sectors. Through its monumental Decision, we are comforted by the thought that our Supreme Court never wavered in its role of being the conscience of our nation," he added.

"I invite everyone to respect and abide by the decision of the Honorable Supreme Court. As the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos is finally laid to rest, may we all learn to set aside our differences and stand united under the rule of law," Calida also said.

Voting 9-5 with one inhibition, the Supreme Court junked seven consolidated petitions, led by Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo, that sought to block the Duterte administration's move to allow the burial of the late strongman at the heroes' cemetery.

• READ: SC allows Marcos burial in Libingan ng mga Bayani