Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — As the country commemorates the 123rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, senators called on the Filipino people to follow in the footsteps of the national hero by speaking out against abuses and injustices.
In a dispatch from Camp Crame in Quezon City, detained Senator Leila de Lima urged Filipinos to emulate Rizal’s courage and loyalty to the country by fulfilling their obligation to stand up against a despotic regime and uphold our democratic principles for the benefit of the present and future generations.
“Taon-taon, ginugunita natin ang Araw ni Gat Jose Rizal. Subalit ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lang tungkol kay Rizal bilang indibidwal, kundi sa dangal at husay ng lahing Pilipino na ipinamalas niya sa buong mundo, pati na sa pagkamulat ng sambayanan at sama-samang pakikipaglaban para sa ating kasarinlan,” she said.
The senator added that Filipinos should continue valuing the national hero’s principles by calling out and speaking out against abusive leaders who promote and tolerate inequality, injustices, and treason.
“Kung tutuusin, puwede sanang palampasin na lang kung ang isang naturingang pinuno ng bansa ay tinatamad o nagpapalusot lang kung ayaw niyang dumalo sa mga tradisyon ng paggunita sa ating mga bayani,” she said.
“Pero ang hindi katanggap-tanggap sa atin ay ang kawalan mismo ng pagpapahalaga ng isang pinuno sa mga ipinaglabang prinsipyo ng ating mga bayani—ang pagtatanggol sa ating teritoryo, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, malayang pamamahayag at pagkakapantay-pantay,” she added.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, said Rizal’s triumphs and sacrifices serve as an inspiration to Filipinos.
“In the uncompromising stand of our national hero against tyranny and abuses, we are inspired to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
“In his triumphs and sacrifices, we are invigorated to remain unwavering in our duty to be compassionate, hopeful, and persevering in building a future the succeeding generations deserve,” he added.
He then urged the Filipino people to remember the national hero for fortitude and love of country” as well as “for fighting for the rights of all Filipinos and for truth.”
“May we have his courage and strength to speak out against abuses and injustices that we still confront today,” Pangilinan said.
“The call to action and service remains resonant and clear today as it was during the time of our great forebears. Small steps or giant leaps, let us always choose the path of courage and heroism,” he added.
For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Filipinos to look back on the life & works of Rizal.
“At a time when our ethical values & sense of humanity are being challenged, it helps to study more earnestly the life & works of our national hero, Jose Rizal, one of the most prominent victims of injustice & violence,” she said over Twitter.
“It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal.”
At a time when our ethical values & sense of humanity are being challenged,it helps to study more earnestly the life & works of our national hero,Jose Rizal,one of the most prominent victims of injustice & violence
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) December 30, 2019
“Bilang mga Pilipino, kailangan nating balikan ang mga leksyon ng nakaraan bilang gabay sa kinabukasan. Lahat tayo may gampanin sa pagpapanday ng bansang makatao, maginhawa at makatarungan,” she said in a separate tweet.
Bilang mga Pilipino, kailangan nating balikan ang mga leksyon ng nakaraan bilang gabay sa kinabukasan.
Lahat tayo may gampanin sa pagpapanday ng bansang makatao, maginhawa at makatarungan.
This is one inspiration Rizal goves us. Rizal lives in each and every one of us.
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) December 30, 2019
“This is one inspiration Rizal gives us. Rizal lives in each and every one of us,” she added.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed hopes that the dedication, hard work, and determination of Rizal would be an inspiration for the youth.
“Nawa ay magsilbing inspirasyon natin—lalo na sa mga kabataan—ang dedikasyon, sipag at determinasyon na ipinamalas ni Dr. Jose Rizal lalo na sa ating pakikipaglaban sa mga panibagong banta sa ating lipunan gaya ng kriminalidad, korapsyon at ilegal na droga,” Go said.
Malacañang has declared December 30 as a regular holiday to mark the anniversary of Jose Rizal’s execution at Bagumbayan in Manila in 1986.
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