F. Sionil Jose to be Buried at 'Libingan ng mga Bayani'

Late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose will be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, the Cultural Center of the Philippines said. 

Before his inurnment, there will be a 10 a.m. mass, followed by the state funeral, CCP said.

In accordance with the government's COVID-19 protocols, only those who were invited could attend the funeral, the cultural body said, noting it will livestream the event on Facebook for those who wish to pay their last respects.

"The necrological service and tribute at the CCP was deferred on the advice of Jose’s family," it added. 

At the time of his death on Jan. 6, at 97 years old, Jose was confined at the Makati Medical Center waiting to undergo angioplasty. 

ALSO READ: F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature, Dies at 97

Named National Artist for Literature in 2001, Jose is best remembered for his five works that won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. In 1980, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts. 

Towards the end of his life, Jose became subject of criticisms for controversial statements he made against Rappler boss Maria Ressa's winning of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. He also drew flak for favoring the ABS-CBN shutdown, calling its demise "good for Philippine democracy."