President Marcos urges Pinoys: Liberate Philippines from shackles of society’s ills

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called on Filipinos to emulate the courage and selflessness of national hero Andres Bonifacio as they strive to help end the problems plaguing the country.

In his message for the commemoration of the 161st birth anniversary of Bonifacio yesterday, Marcos said the leader of the Philippine Revolution continues to inspire Filipinos to strive for greatness in their shared task of nation-building.

“Gat Andres may have been long gone, but his fight carries on,” the President said. “Let us honor his memory by finding a deeper meaning in his sacrifice and doing our part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality and other ills of society,” he added.

Marcos noted that Bonifacio, the Supremo of the Katipunan, organized and inspired his fellow Filipinos to rise against tyranny and break the chains of oppression. His humble beginnings did not deter him from realizing his dreams and goals for the country, the President added.

“With his courage, he lit the flames of the Philippine Revolution, which finally united our land and emboldened many to lay down their lives willingly for the cause of our motherland against the colonizers,” Marcos said.

He urged Filipinos to remember the legacy of sacrifice of Bonifacio and other heroes who resisted colonial rule.

“We owe them a debt of gratitude for awakening our national consciousness, upholding our sense of identity and rousing our spirit of self-determination,” the Chief Executive said.

“With patriotism, discipline and love for one another as our guide, let us build a better Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino lives in genuine peace, progress and harmony.”

Born on Nov. 30, 1863 in Tondo, Manila, Bonifacio was one of the founders of the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or KKK, which fought for independence from Spanish rule. He was executed by fellow revolutionaries who accused him of sedition in 1897.

Opportunity to reflect

As workers marked Bonifacio Day with protests calling for wage hikes and lower prices for commodities, Vice President Sara Duterte stressed the importance of his example in taking action against what ails the country.

“Remembering the bravery of Andres Bonifacio is an opportunity for us to reflect on our situation and our future as a free country,” Duterte said in a statement.

“It is important that our celebration of the greatness of Andres Bonifacio opens our awareness to the condition of our country such as poverty, hunger, unemployment and lack of basic services for so many Filipinos,” she added.

The Vice President said ensuring Bonifacio’s vision lives on amid trying times would inspire Filipinos to strive to be loyal and “true” citizens of the country.

“Let’s spread the message of his heroism to each other and hopefully it will become a fire to burn so that we can be stronger, braver and stand up. Bonifacio’s legacy is our freedom. Let’s take care of it. Let’s fight for it,” she added.

Integrity in government

Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, urged government officials to emulate Bonifacio’s legacy of “integrity.”

“Today, as we honor the courage and sacrifices of Gat Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution, we are reminded of the vital role of integrity, unity and accountability in nation-building,” Romualdez said in his message.

Romualdez noted that Bonifacio stood against tyranny and division, championing the ideals of freedom and justice.

“In these challenging times, when the principles of democracy and good governance are put to the test, let us draw inspiration from Bonifacio’s bravery and steadfast commitment to the truth,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker said that Bonifacio’s life should remind Filipinos that genuine leadership demands not just strength, but respect for others as well and a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the greater good.

“The path toward progress is never without challenges, but like Bonifacio, we must face them with unwavering resolve and a firm belief in the collective power of the Filipino people,” he said.

“Let us reject fear, division, and discord, and instead work together in the spirit of bayanihan to build a nation grounded on peace, justice and prosperity for all,” he added.

He also urged Filipinos to honor Bonifacio’s memory by “safeguarding the democracy and freedom he fought so valiantly to achieve.”

“As we commemorate Bonifacio’s legacy, may his patriotism inspire us to remain vigilant, principled and united as we navigate these turbulent times,” he said.

Romualdez said Bonifacio’s bravery led the Filipino people of his generation in fighting oppression, showing his unwavering commitment to “freedom, justice and the welfare of the Filipino people.”

“Bonifacio stood against tyranny and division, championing the ideals of freedom, justice and the welfare of the Filipino people above all else,” he said.

The Speaker also reflected on the enduring relevance of Bonifacio’s principles, saying his example calls for leadership rooted in truth and responsibility even in today’s challenging times.

“His life reminds us that genuine leadership demands not just strength, but also respect for others and a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the greater good,” he said.

Like Bonifacio, every Filipino should face challenges with unwavering resolve and with belief in the country’s potential to move forward and progress. — Neil Jayson Servallos, Jose Rodel Clapano