President Rodrigo Duterte pays respect to Dr. Jose Rizal in this December 30, 2017, file photo. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo
As the country marked the 121st death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public on Saturday to remember the national hero’s patriotism and “ultimate sacrifice” for the country.
“May we take this occasion as an opportunity to recognize Dr. Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country,” Duterte said in his Rizal Day message.
“Let us reflect on his patriotism as we strive to continue his work of building a more united, peaceful and prosperous Philippines,” he added.
Duterte reminded the people that Rizal had “denounced corruption, greed and other social ills that up to this day plague our society.”
“Even in death, he imparted upon us his aspiration for a nation that is free from scourge of injustice, tyranny, and suffering,” he said.
Duterte led the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Shrine in Luneta Park, Manila to commemorate the event. With him were Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Cabinet officials led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. /cbb