MANILA - Former first lady Imelda Marcos has invited her colleagues in the House of Representatives to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of her husband, the late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos.

An invitation to mass, followed by a "short program and lunch" at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) on Monday was distributed to lawmakers. One of the recipients, Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin, showed his copy to reporters.

The remains of the former president were interred at the Libingan late last year, despite opposition from victims of human rights abuses under his three-decade-long rule.

The move highlighted his heirs' return to national prominence. His eldest son and namesake, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is protesting his narrow defeat in last year's vice presidential race.

The former first lady represents Ilocos Norte in Congress while eldest daughter Imee Marcos is governor of the province.

Malacañang has declared Marcos' 100th birth anniversary as a non-working holiday in his home province of Ilocos Norte.