Aquino leads commemoration of Rizal martyrdom, calls anew for unity

President Benigno Aquino III called for unity anew on Sunday as he led the nation in marking the 116th anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal's martyrdom. Aquino made the call in a message for the occasion, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the National Language. "Paano hahabiin ang pagkakaisa sa kabila ng mga pagkakaiba? Paano pag-aalabin ang malasakit sa kapwa’t sa bandila? Nawa’y maging mas masigasig ang ating pakikisagwan sa iisang direksyon upang maging ganap ang potensyal ng ating Wikang Pambansa," Aquino said in a recorded message. "Sa liwanag ng katotohanan at katapatang ipinababatid ng ating wika, at ng katangi-tanging pamana ni Rizal, tumitingkad ang ating pagkakaisa, lumalakas ang ating tinig at pagkakapit-bisig tungo sa pag-abot ng ating mga mithiin," he added as he called on Filipinos to be proud of their national language, wherever they may be. Aquino led the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Monument shortly after 7 a.m., radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported. Vice President Jejomar Binay was also present at the ceremony, the report said. The report said Aquino left after leading wreath-laying ceremonies. Security was tight in the area since 4:30 a.m., with a portion of Roxas Boulevard closed to traffic. Before the rites, a symbolic interment of a piece of Rizal's spinal column that was shattered during his execution in 1896 was held before dawn. On Rizal Day, the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 offered free rides to the public at selected hours. Part of Roxas Boulevard closed The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority advised motorists the north and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak to T.M. Kalaw will be closed to all vehicular traffic "from 6 a.m. onwards." In a post on its Twitter account, the MMDA suggested alternate routes: