Militant lawmakers on Wednesday lauded the revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio during the commemoration of his 153rd birthday on Wednesday, calling the father of the 1896 Revolution the real hero and not the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The solons made the statement following Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani which was given the green light by the Supreme Court and openly supported by President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Duterte on hero’s burial for Marcos: No emotions, just the law
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said he filed a bill and resolution seeking to recognize Bonifacio as a national hero and as the country’s first president, instead of the duly recognized one Emilio Aguinaldo.
“Let us give due recognition and respect for the likes of Gat Andres Bonifacio who sacrificed everything for the motherland. We must also be very wary of revisionists who peddle the lie that the likes of Emilio Aguinaldo and Ferdinand Marcos were heroes, as in fact these two were only looking out for their vested interests,” Zarate said.
READ: Leonen: Marcos is no hero; Libingan burial illegal
Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao lauded Bonifacio for leading the 1896 Revolution that sought to end 300 years of oppression by the Spanish colonizers, whereas Marcos imposed martial law to perpetuate himself in power during his brutal two-decade regime.
“Today we celebrate the 153rd birth anniversary of the Supremo, Andres Bonifacio, who led the masses of peasants, workers and other toiling masses in a successful armed revolution against the more than 300 years of Spanish colonialism. The Filipino people and the youth should continue his struggle as the established ‘democratic’ government preserves feudalism, foreign domination and state oppression,” Casilao said.
READ: 10 reasons why Marcos should not be honored as hero — Joma Sison
“Martial law is an anti-thesis of democracy, a historical injustice by a dictator against Filipinos, this is worse than colonialism, as those in power should be the ones protecting, not persecuting the people,” he added.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Rep. Antonio Tinio said Bonifacio strove for independence from colonial rule whereas Marcos ruled the country as a dictator and violated human rights.
“Bonifacio is a true Filipino hero. His spirit lives in the Filipino people who continue to fight for independence, national democracy and genuine change for the country.” Tinio said
“We also celebrate the modern day Bonifacios, those who genuinely serve and protect the interest of the Filipino people. Not the tyrants, dictators and human rights violators like Marcos.” Tinio added. CDG