Philippine President Benigno Aquino says he will not approve a state funeral for his predecessor, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Mr. Marcos ruled the Pacific island nation under martial law for more than two decades before he was overthrown in a “people power” revolution in 1986. His widow Imelda has waged a long campaign to have him buried with honors in a heroes' cemetery in Manila, which is reserved for statesmen, soldiers and artists.

Her efforts have been opposed by pro-democracy groups, who say Ferdinand Marcos committed massive human rights violations during his reign.

Mr. Aquino told reporters Wednesday that he will never approve such honors for Mr. Marcos as long as his victims are still seeking acknowledgement for their suffering.

The president's father, opposition leader Benigno Aquino was assassinated in 1983 after returning from exile in the United States to oppose Mr. Marcos. His mother, Corazon, became president when Mr. Marcos was toppled by a “people power” revolution.

Corazon Aquino died in 2009 after a battle with cancer.