(Eagle News) — The Supreme Court issued on Tuesday (August 23) a status quo ante order for 20 days on the controversial plan to bury the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
In a press briefing, SC spokesperson Atty. Theodore Te announced the issuance of the status quo ante order (SQAO) that effectively barred all parties from proceeding with any activities connected to the planned burial of the late President for 20 days, or until September 12, at the Heroes’ Cemetery inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
A status quo ante order restores a situation to its original state issued to prevent an act from being done until the cas has been heard.
Its validity of 20 days would be used for the court’s preparation for oral arguments on petitions against late strongman Marcos final interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The high court also moved to August 31 at 10 a.m., the oral arguments on the case which were initially scheduled on August 24.
Malacañang had said it will respect and abide SC’s decision.
The remains of Marcos are currently in a mausoleum in his birthplace in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, prompting protests from anti-Marcos groups and victims during Martial Law.