Robredo on Bonifacio Day: Prioritize public welfare before self interest

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday urged Filipinos and leaders to follow Andres Bonifacio’s bravery and prioritize national interest and public welfare as the country marked the 156th birth anniversary of the national hero.

Robredo said the public should emulate Bonifacio’s bravery in protecting the country’s interest amid modern-day problems.

“Ang parehong tapang at sigasig na ipinamalas ni Bonifacio ang inaasahan sa bawat isa atin, higit lalo na sa mga namumuno sa ating bayan–tapang na protektahan ang ating pambansang kasarinlan,” the vice president said in a statement.

[Bonfacio’s bravery and perseverance are expected among us especially for government leaders of our country. Bravery to protect the country’s independence.]

“Tapang na gampanan ang ating sinumpaang tungkulin at tuparin ang mga ipinangako natin sa taumbayan; at tapang na unahin ang kapakanan ng bayan kaysa sa pansariling interes,” she added.

[Bravery for duties and promises for our fellow countrymen and bravery to prioritize public’s welfare before self-interest.]

Robredo cited how Bonifacio continued to fight for his countrymen and how Bonifacio eventually became the father of the Philippine revolution.

“Hindi kalaunan, pinangunahan ng laking-Tondo ang isa sa pinakamahahalagang rebolusyon para sa ating kalayaan. [Bonifacio, who is raised in Tondo, Manila, led the most important revolution for the country’s independence from colonizers.],” she said.

Robredo said even years after Bonifacio and Katipuneros battle for the country’s independence, Filipinos are still faced with modern-day problems such as poverty, human rights violations, illegal drug trade, and corruption in the government.

Edited by MUF