Amid protests against bestowing a hero’s burial for late president Ferdinand Marcos, The Voice coach Lea Salonga asked netizens who are qualified to an interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
So who exactly is eligible to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and who pays for the burial? What are the rules? Just curious.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 8, 2016
According to the Armed Forces of The Philippines's (AFP) Regulation G 161-373 or "The Allocation of Cemetery Plots at the Libingan ng mga Bayani," only selected deceased persons are entitled to a burial at the heroes' cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The said provision states that Libingan ng mga Bayani is reserved for medal of valor awardees, president of the Philippines as the commander-in-chief of the AFP, secretaries of National Defense, chief of staff of the AFP, as well as active and retired military personnel.
War veterans (Philippine Revolution of 1986, First and Second World War), government dignitaries, statesmen, national artists, and other deceased persons whose interment has been approved—by the commander-in-chief, Congress or the secretary of National Defense—are also qualified.
For her part, Lea tweeted that she would refuse to be interred at Libingan ng mga Bayani even if she becomes qualified for it.
If by some miracle of God I became eligible to be buried there, I'd probably refuse if it was on the taxpayer's dime. 1/2
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 8, 2016
Not to mention inconvenient for my family to visit. Only IF eligible someday. I don't think I ever would be, to be honest.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 8, 2016