The presumptive Philippine president-elect says he will allow the immediate burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at a heroes' cemetery, and will support the release of former President Gloria Arroyo, who is detained on corruption charges, in moves that are likely to spark anti-government protests.

Rodrigo Duterte told reporters late Monday that Marcos deserved to be buried at the heroes' cemetery because he was a soldier and not because he was a hero. His burial there has been opposed by outgoing President Benigno Aquino III and by left-wing groups because of human rights abuses and plunder during his administration.

Duterte said he supports Arroyo's release from detention in a hospital, saying the case against her is weak.