Senators to Filipinos: Emulate Jose Rizal
Credit to Author: Bernadette Tamayo| Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2019 17:02:21 +0000
Senators on Monday urged Filipinos to emulate the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal, who, they said, fought for the upliftment of the condition of Filipinos and his country during the Spanish rule.
Celebrated annually every December 30, Rizal Day commemorates Rizal’s martyrdom. He was executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan field, now Rizal Park, in Manila on Dec. 30, 1896.
Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, and Leila de Lima joined the nation in commemorating Rizal’s 123rd death anniversary on Monday.
“Mahigit 100 taon na ang nakalipas nang pagkamartir ni Dr. Jose Rizal ngunit nananatiling sariwa sa alaala nating mga Pilipino ang sakripisyo niya para sa bayan (Over 100 years had passed since the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal and yet his sacrifice for the land remains fresh in the minds of Filipinos),” Go said.
“Nawa ay magsilbing inspirasyon natin — lalo na sa mga kabataan — ang dedikasyon, sipag at determinasyon na ipinamalas ni Dr. Jose Rizal lalo na sa ating pakikipaglaban sa mga panibagong banta sa ating lipunan gaya ng kriminalidad, korapsyon at ilegal na droga (Hopefully, the dedication, perseverance, and determination that Dr. Jose Rizal showed may serve as an inspiration to us — especially the youth — in fighting new threats to our society such as criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs),” Go said.
Pangilinan said, “In the uncompromising stand of our national hero against tyranny and abuses, we are inspired to follow in his footsteps.”
“Let us remember Rizal for his fortitude and love of country, for fighting for the rights of all Filipinos and for truth. May we have his courage and strength to speak out against abuses and injustices that we still confront today,” Pangilinan said.
Hontiveros said, “At a time when ethical values and sense of humanity are being challenged, it helps to study more earnestly the life and works of our national hero, Jose Rizal, one of the most prominent victims of injustice and violence. This is one inspiration Rizal gives us.”
Meanwhile, de Lima said that while some people tried to discredit Rizal’s efforts during his time, the respect and honor given him “are strong proof that history judges what one did for his country and countrymen.”
She said the people “should continue valuing Rizal’s principles by calling out and speaking out against abusive leaders who promote and tolerate inequality, injustices and treason.”
De Lima said that Rizal “stood up and defended the country and the Filipinos against the then abusive Spanish government in the Philippines.”