Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday called on Filipinos to draw strength from the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal by standing for truth and justice, emphasizing that lasting change is rooted in moral integrity and collective action.
In her Rizal Day message, Duterte said the national hero’s writings reflected his fearless patriotism and vision of genuine freedom grounded in knowledge. She reminded the public that freedom goes beyond independence from colonial rule.
“Ang kalayaan ay hindi lamang paglaya mula sa puwersang dayuhan, kundi pati na rin ang paglaya ng ating isip at damdamin mula sa pang-aabuso, pagkawatak-watak at kasamaan,” Duterte said.
“Sa paggunita natin sa kanyang sakripisyo, manumbalik nawa ang ating lakas at tapang na manindigan para sa katotohanan at katarungan,” she added.
Duterte also urged citizens to preserve the spirit of unity and wisdom in nation-building.
“Ang tunay at pangmatagalang pagbabago ay nagsisimula at nagmumula sa malalim na pag-aaral, moral na integridad, at sama-samang pagkilos sa ating komunidad at mga institusyon,” she said.
Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan—now Luneta Park—for rebellion against Spanish colonial rule. His death galvanized the Filipino struggle for independence.