Jose Rizal is ‘guiding light’ of House legislative agenda – Romualdez

Dr. Jose Rizal’s statue in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany | PHOTO: PAM PASTOR

MANILA, Philippines — National hero Jose Rizal was the “guiding light” for the House of Representatives’ legislative agenda, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Monday.

“As the leader of the House, we make sure the laws we enact respond to Rizal’s dream to make society just and developed,” he said in Filipino.

“Rizal’s vision of a nation that values education, equality, and freedom is the guiding light of our legislative agenda,” he added.

This year’s commemoration marks the 128th anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom when the Spanish colonial government sentenced him to death for the crime of rebellion.

READ: Marcos enjoins Filipinos to embody Rizal’s patriotism

Romualdez also urged the public to not only memorialize Rizal but to embody what he stood for.

READ: VP Duterte’s Rizal Day message: Jose Rizal remains our guiding

“In his works, he exposed the societal ills of his time,” he said in Filipino.

“True love of country is expressed in words and actions, in mobilizing for a more secure and prosperous future for our country,” he added.