AS Imelda Marcos prepares to bury Ferdinand, her partner in the conjugal dictatorship, some leading Filipino politicians are finding it somewhat convenient to be out of town for the duration of the Marcos funeral rites.
Which probably explains why elder statesman Salvador ''Doy'' Laurel, vice-president during the Aquino Government, is in Hong Kong. Although being the consummate diplomat that he is, Doy, who now acts as an international consultant to various multi-nationals, would only admit to being here on business.
Actually, Doy was the last Filipino politician to talk to Marcos before he died in Hawaii. Marcos gave him a final message to deliver to his nemesis, Cory Aquino, but when Doy arrived at Malacanang Palace to see Cory he was told that she was unable to see him because of a pressing engagement (which turned out to be lunch with Hollywood star Tom Cruise).
Even though the Laurels - a Filipino family of distinguished political lineage - and the Marcos clan have always been on opposing sides, Doy readily offered the hand of friendship to the widow Imelda.
When she returned to Manila from exile in Hawaii two years ago, Doy, as vice-president, met her at the airport - a matter that earned him the lasting wrath of then president Cory, who allegedly hates Imelda with a passion.
In fact, Imelda asked Doy last week if he would go to Hawaii and accompany the Marcos remains back to the Philippines. But he declined due to ''prior engagements''.