MANILA, Philippines — “After years upon years of celebrating the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal, has the Philippines achieved the genuine self-governance that he dreamed of?”
This question was posed by Senator Imee Marcos on Saturday, in time for the 127th death anniversary of the country’s national hero.
Marcos then proceeded to wonder if Rizal would agree that Filipinos are truly free from colonialism, if he were still alive today.
“Would he agree to the addition of EDCA sites?” the senator wondered.
EDCA stands for Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
“Would he have glimpsed in the joint policy of [the] U.S. and China to strengthen their military relations [and] a possible repeat of the Spanish-American deal?” Marcos wondered.
“Would he consider the arrival of officials of the International Criminal Court an interference in the sovereignty of the Philippines?” she went on.
“Would he say that the importation of rice, corn, sugar, salt, pork, beef and fish is a surrender of our economy and self-reliance?” she also inquired.
Reflecting on these issues, Marcos urged Filipinos to “look back” and “think carefully” about where the Philippines is heading to.