P-Noy warns vs fake reformists

MANILA, Philippines - Reject fake reformists and continue the fight for good government, President Aquino urged the people yesterday as he paid tribute to the country’s past and present-day heroes.

In his speech during the National Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig, the President said the days of colonizers and martial law are long gone, but he lamented that “a select and selfish few… remain determined to bring back the old and abusive political systems.”

“This is the fight that confronts us today: to remain vigilant against those who seek to sow doubt and lies; to stand firm and refuse to allow ourselves to be manipulated by those who only pretend at reform; to reject the crooked, and resolve to stay on the straight path,” Aquino said, without naming any specific group.

He said the seeds of change his administration had sown are bearing fruit and the people should not waste the opportunity.

“This is the only way that we can repay and honor the heroes who sacrificed much, so that our country could arrive at its present state,” the President said.

Aquino said National Heroes Day is an act of remembering, thanksgiving and an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of being a hero “not only in the past but in our present situation.”

He said heroes are ordinary people who choose to do what is right when placed in extraordinary situations.

“They all had individual ambitions: to finish school, to find someone to love, to start a family, to set up and grow a business or advance in their careers, and to live peaceful lives… yet they chose to set aside their personal agendas, their fears, and their own needs to fight for the benefit of the many,” he said.

“We must also remember that there are many heroes who remain anonymous – whose deeds are not known to many. These are the Filipinos, who instead of giving up in the face of calamities, helped and worked alongside their countrymen without a second thought,” he said.

He cited the teachers devoting their lives to guiding the succeeding generations; law enforcement officers choosing to fulfill their responsibilities, instead of giving in to the temptation of easy money; soldiers protecting the country’s territory and people with true courage; professionals using their skills and knowledge to serve their fellow Filipinos; leaders of religious institutions who had become allies in fighting corruption and in pushing for reform.

He also referred to the “contagious optimism” and “strong faith” of Filipinos affected by the devastating tsunami in Japan in 2011, which served as the foundation for the reconstruction of Fukushima.

He likewise cited Noli de la Cruz, a non-uniformed personnel, who saved 39 lives by tying sheets and clothes so that his neighbors trapped in floods at the height of Super Typhoon Yolanda might hold on to something.

“Instead of hurling criticism or spreading negativism, which some of our countrymen have grown accustomed to doing, these remarkable Filipinos chose to empower their fellowmen,” the President said.

Nation of heroes

He lauded each and every citizen who strives for success to become a productive member of society, saying they are proof that the Philippines is a nation of heroes.

He said “battles will continue” even though society has made much progress, adding that the responsibility to ensure that a freer and more progressive Philippines can be handed over to future generations rests on everybody’s shoulders.

The President cited an article written recently by Ma. Francesca Santiago, a student from Bacolod, who expressed alarm that the “latest trend is to hurl criticism, even at those who are doing everything in their power to uphold the interests of the people.”

“In the face of the challenges our country has experienced, instead of remaining open-minded and searching for the truth, there are some who choose to spread baseless accusations; instead of helping to find a solution, there are some who want to worsen the fear and suffering of our countrymen,” the President quoted Santiago’s article.

“I was surprised to know that Ma. Francesca is only 13 years old. It is impressive that, at this age, she already exhibits more discernment than some who are much older than her. If this is the caliber of thinking of the youth today, I am certain that we are indeed facing a brighter future,” he said.