DAVAO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said that he will allow the burial of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery).

Marcos’ remains continue to lie in state inside a refrigerated crypt in his hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte.  Until lately, Marcos’ opponents have vigorously rejected the idea of a hero’s burial for the late dictator.

Reacting to widespread opposition to his pronouncement, the Davao city mayor revised his proposal, saying instead that he will call for a national referendum to decide once and for all whether Marcos’ remains will be allowed internment at the national cemetery.

There is also widespread opposition to the proposed referendum.

The reason?  Most Filipinos believe that there will be massive cheating in the referendum by either side, the pro-Marcos and the anti-Marcos.

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The packing is on hold. Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino is hoping he could continue to live in Malacañang, the presidential palace, even after he leaves office on June 30.

Aquino loves the place so much that it has be come very difficult for him to move on.

The outgoing president was heartened by recent news that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is planning to move the seat of government from Manila to Davao City.

That means Malacañang will be without an occupant for the next 6 years.

Today, Aquino wrote a personal letter to Duterte asking the latter if he would be allowed to stay in the palace, even  in a caretaker capacity.

“I promise to keep the place always clean.  I will even take care of maintaining the lawn,” Aquino said in his letter.

Duterte is reportedly still discussing Aquino’s request with members of his transition team.

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – One of Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino’s biggest regrets is that he was never given a ‘honeymoon period.’  So, he is giving incoming President Rodrigo Duterte the benefit of the doubt.

“I’d like to give him what wasn’t given to me—a honeymoon period,” Aquino said of his conscious effort to refrain from commenting on the recent statements of Duterte. He added that he doesn’t want to add to the multitude of voices that could “add to the strain” when one needs to make important decisions.

However, critics of Aquino argued that the lack of a honeymoon period was because of the president’s own doing — or undoing.

He remained a bachelor during his 6 years in office. 

“How can there be a honeymoon,” the critics said.