No Palace plans for Bonifacio Day

The Bonifacio sculpture stands in front of the Tutuban station: A historical distortion perpetuated even by the most esteemed historians. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Unlike the past year, there will be no public event led by President Aquino to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of hero Andres Bonifacio. The President, however, will deliver a message to the nation.

“It appears he has no public event. Although I understand that the President has signed a message for tomorrow. Let us wait for it,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday.

Last year, Aquino presided over a grand event that marked the 150th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, regarded as one of the greatest Filipino heroes who fought for freedom from Spanish colonial rule.

On Friday, the militant group Bayan announced nationwide protests to be held Sunday, where they are expected to take President Aquino to task for “promoting systematic pork barrel corruption and subservience to foreign dictates.”

He said the different groups would gather at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila at 2 p.m. for a program.–Nikko Dizon