Vico: Youth should use Rizal as inspiration

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino youth should continue looking up to national hero Jose Rizal as their inspiration to always follow the righteous path, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said yesterday.

Sotto, who led a wreath-laying ceremony in Plaza Rizal to mark the national hero’s 126th death anniversay, said youngsters should always look up to Rizal, who achieved so much until he died at the age of 35.

“Kapag naiisip ko ang lahat nang nagawa ni Jose Rizal sa maiksing buhay, ano pa ba ang excuse natin (When I think of all that Jose Rizal accomplished in his short life, what is our excuse)?” he said in a speech.

Apart from being an ophthalmologist, Rizal also wrote books that inspired Filipinos seeking independence.

“Sana patuloy siyang maging modelo para sa atin lalo na sa mga kabataan at patuloy siya maging inspirasyon sa atin na gumawa ng mabuti at ipaglaban ang tama (I hope he continues to be a model for us, particularly the youth, and still be an inspiration to do good and fight for what is right),” Sotto said.

The 33-year-old Sotto is known for his stance against corruption and reforms at city hall.