Every 30th of December, Filipinos commemorate the death of one of the Philippines’ national heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal, known for his “bloodless revolution” during the Spanish colonization. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo chose to emphasize on that on Monday.
In light of Rizal’s 123rd death anniversary, the Vice President in a statement, underscored that the best way of responding to the problems of the country is through doing what is right by proper ways.
“Hindi natin makakamit ang tunay na pag-unlad sa pamamagitan ng mga madalian at brutal na solusyon, lalo na iyong tahasang tumataliwas sa ating mga batas (We cannot attain true progress through instant and brutal solutions, especially those that go against our law).”
Robredo said that these times posed challenges and concerns to Filipinos, but she encouraged the citizens to emulate Rizal’s way.
“Isabuhay natin ang sigasig ni Rizal sa pagsulat ng mga reporma sa ating bansa at ng pagkakapantay-pantay ng bawat Pilipino (Let us live with Rizal’s enthusiasm in writing for reform in our country and the equality among Filipinos),” she said.
“Buong tapang niyang ipinaglaban ang ating mga karapatan, tangan ang paniniwala na makakamit lamang natin ang tunay na pagbabago para sa lahat kung mananatili tayong totoo sa ating mga paninindigan (He fought with courage for our rights, holding the belief that we can attain real change by staying true to our convictions),” Robredo added.
The Vice President called on Filipinos to ‘steel our hold onto our principles and convictions in attaining progress without leaving anyone behind and by giving justice for everyone.’
Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 and passed away on December 30, 1896 as a martyr. He was an ophthalmologist who used his words and ink in writing for reforms. Among his numerous works were his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that were believed to be a strong force that pulled the Filipinos then to unite and pursue a revolution.