The Libingan ng mga Bayani or the Hero's Cemetery in English language is regarded a sacred site for the Filipinos. This is because it is a place for their heroes of the country to be buried and may rest in peace eternally. There are some notable individuals and leaders who made a significant contribution to the Philippines by sacrificing their lives to save the future generation. By commemorating past heroes, our past ancestors were being able to set up a venue to have a burial place for these heroes to live in peace. And this is the place called "The Libingan ng mga Bayani" or Hero's Cemetery.
However, on November 9, 2016, the Libingan ng mga Bayani created a new controversy because the name of the venue online has been altered. It was changed to "The Libingan ng mga Bayani at isang Magnanakaw". This is translated in English as Hero's Cemetery and one burglar or thief. The name sparked controversy online, marking disappointments whoever made that alteration online. Netizens voiced out their concerns regarding the change of name of the Hero's Cemetery as a sign of insult to those who were buried in that place. In addition, the name generated criticisms regarding the new name of the burial place of the country's heroes.
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| Altered name of the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Hero's Cemetery |
History: Initially, the Hero's Cemetery was intended to bury Filipino soldiers who fought against the soldiers of the Japanese regime during the Second World War. In 1947, it was officially declared as a place for the burial place for former Philippine Presidents who died. Not only for the former national leaders, but also for national patriots, heroes, artists, and scientists who made numerous achievements and contributions to the Filipino society. This burial place is regarded as one of the most important places in the Philippines today. Some of them are Carlos P. Romulo, Angelo Reyes, Diosdado macapagal, and Elpidio Quirino.
On June 16, 1948, Former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino signed a bill, declaring the place designated to be the official burial place for Philippine presidents. This was under the Republic Act 289, which is known as "An act the Provides Construction of National Pantheon for the National Heroes, Presidents of the Philippines, and the Country's Patriots". As indicated on Section 1 on this Republic Act, it states that it perpetuates the memory of the former leaders and heroes of the Philippines, as well as unborn generations.
Related Article: 5 People who disagree on Supreme Court's desision to bury Fedrinand Marcos in Hero's Cemetery
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Back on the main topic about the alteration of the name of the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the alteration was observed to have appeared on Google Map in the morning of November 9, 2016. Photos and memes started to circulate to various social media accounts, lamenting about the alteration of the cemetery's name. However, Google was quick to respond to the issue and changed the cemetery back to its original name. Netizens are still cautious whether it was corrected either Google or the person who altered the name.
*Related Article: Cory Aquino's dog buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani creates Controversy
It appears that someone must have to express their frustration against the decision of the Supreme Court when it finally allowed Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the cemetery. Authorities are now initiating their investigation on who was responsible for altering the name of a national monument or a historical site of the country. This is considered punishable under the law because anyone who intentionally alters the name of any structure, monument without permission will be subjected to imprisonment and a fine.
On November 8, 2016, the Supreme Court of the Philippines have decided to allow Ferdinand Marcos after numerous delays and posponement since August of the same year. There were 9 justices who were in favor against 5 justices who voted against the decision to bury the former president of the Philippines. The result of the Supreme Court's decision sparked an outcry for the opposition group agianst the Duterte administration due to their disappointment for having a former dictator to be buried in a hero's cemetery.
The person responsible for altering the name was believed to be a supporter of the Aquino administration because out of their frustration, they altered the name of the Hero's Cemetery. However, some believe that is a part of a protest against the Supreme Court's decision to bury a former dictator. On the side of the Duterte's adminsitration, anyone who made a public scandal can be held accountable for legal consequences for demeanoring the name of a national and historical site.
Although the camp of Ferdinand Marcos are happy with the decision, the camp of Aquinos are not so happy with the decision of the court. It has been known that both Marcos and Aquinos are the two opposing families since the Marcos administration.
*Related Article: Should former Philippine president Ferdinand Emmanual E. Marcos be buried to Hero's Cemetery?
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| Above is the original name and below is the altered name of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Wikipedia |
Not only Google Map
Wikipedia has not also been spared from the alteration of the Hero's Cemetery. Similar with the name indicated from Google Map, Wikipedia also presents similar name. The Libingan ng mga Bayani at isang Magnanakaw. The alteration was also made on the same date on November 9, 2016. But before noon, the name was brought back to its original name.
Who do you think made the altercation?
