‘Let’s not forget our heroes’

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will lead today’s celebration of National Heroes Day, a holiday that seeks to honor the Filipinos who fought for the country’s freedom. 

Duterte will lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City at 8 a.m., according to a statement by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The wreath-laying rites will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

An article posted on the Official Gazette noted that National Heroes Day specifies no hero. The lack of specifics “offers an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of not one, not a few, but all Filipino heroes who have braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice and freedom,” the article said.

Vice President Leni Robredo urged Filipinos to honor workers, the country’s modern day heroes.

“Most of the time this day is considered as a rest day, but we should not forget to thank not just our heroes who sacrificed their lives for us but also those who provide us service every day,” Robredo said in her weekly radio program BISErbisyong Leni.

The Vice President particularly cited the overseas Filipino workers, whom she said endure the pain of being away from their families to give them better lives here.

Meanwhile, hundreds of workers are taking to the streets to press for higher wages and better working conditions.

Elmer Labog, Kilusang Mayo Uno chair, said different labor groups are mounting nationwide mass actions today to pressure the government to immediately heed their demands.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said workers who will report for work today are getting double their regular daily pay.

In an advisory, DOLE said work during regular holiday will be paid 200 percent of an employee’s regular pay for the first eight hours.

Work done in excess of eight hours shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the employee’s hourly rate. – With Alexis Romero