The mobilization, which organizers called a "Citizens' Assembly," is the first major protest act against a decision being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte. However, the event did not tackle human rights issues, but stuck with the Marcos burial problem.
The protesters, mostly wearing white, did not leave their places in front of the giant Lapu-Lapu monument despite brief moments of heavy downpour. The program began at around 9:30 and lasted for two hours.
The protesters listened as guest speakers narrated first-hand stories of torture they experienced under the Marcos regime. The speakers -- artists, economists, activists, academics, politicians -- debunked common misconceptions such as the supposed "Golden Years" experienced during the Marcos era, which they said is not supported by the facts. They said burying Marcos at the Libingan would send the "wrong message" about what the Marcos era was all about.
The atmosphere was marked by simplicity as people listened to speeches, with the occasional cheering and jeering as speakers asked the crowd whether they thought Marcos was indeed a "hero." Older folks also relived their times as activists during the Martial Law years.
Some of the speakers were Walden Bello, Joel Lamangan, Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Teddy Baguilat, Aida Santos, Leila de Lima and former Senator Wigberto Tanada.
Among the leftist organizations present that brought contingents were Sanlakas and Partido Lakas ng Masa. The mobilization was initiated by the Coalition Against the Marcos Burial in Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.
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