MANILA, Philippines – On his third Rizal Day since entering office, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embody national hero Jose Rizal‘s “love of country, dedication to the truth, and commitment to the betterment of our people.”
“Since his ultimate sacrifice in 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal’s vision of a just and forward-thinking society is no less alive today than it was more than a century ago. As we remember his noble works and honorable life, let us take to heart his words and ideals that awakened the consciousness of our forebears and stirred a national movement for freedom,” Marcos said in a statement on Monday, December 30.
Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park, in Manila, primarily due to his writings that were critical of the Spanish colonial rule. His novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo sparked rebellion, which continue to be taught in Philippine schools.
“Truly, it is through Dr. Rizal’s works that one can realize that true change can begin within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today. Let us be bold enough to be catalysts of change and hold on to the belief that each of us can contribute to the beloved Philippines that stands on the pillars of solidarity and progress,” said Marcos.
The President added that Filipinos should make decisions that echo Rizal’s resolve, whether in service to communities, in pursuit of knowledge, or in uplifting the marginalized.
“May we rise as a nation, ever unyielding, in our shared quest for a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas that we can be proud of,” he said.
Rizal was a revolutionary who questioned those in power. However, activists and progressive groups who have done the same in the Marcos administration have met a hostile environment for critical expression. This environment, notably enabled by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, was carried over from Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos signed the 2025 national budget on Monday, vetoing P194 billion worth of line items amid the criticism of former government officials and various groups that the budget bill submitted by Congress included misallocations that should be corrected. – Rappler.com
