Marcos leads commemoration of late father’s 106th birthday

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the celebration of his late father’s 106th birthday on Monday, where he claimed that the administration of his namesake was remembered for “peace and order,” despite accounts of human rights violations by the dictatorial regime.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held in Ilocos Norte to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ferdinand E. Marcos.

In a speech, Marcos said the former president left “a rich legacy to our nation.”

“It is my earnest hope that my late father’s values, ideals, and visions for the country will spur you into aspiring for greater roles and more meaningful endeavors—much like how these have inspired me,” he said.

“Let us act in our own small and unique ways to support the government, to support our people in all the initiatives and programs, and continue to instill in every Filipino the sense of ownership and accountability in building our great nation,” he added.

Marcos earlier declared Sept. 11 as a special non-working day in the province to mark the birthday of his father.

The presidency of Marcos Sr. was marred by issues, from ill-gotten wealth to human rights violations.

READ: Sociologist explains: Despite father's dictatorship, why are Marcoses still popular?