Robredo: Rizal reminds us that true freedom ‘goes hand in hand with kindness’

Filipinos should learn from Dr. Jose Rizal in pursuing true freedom and a nation free from hate, division, and tyranny, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday.

"In these times when ruthless practicality is foisted on us as virtue, and when respect for individual dignity is maligned as weakness, Rizal stands as a reminder that true freedom always goes hand in hand with kindness and integrity," Robredo said in a statement.

She cited this excerpt from Rizal's work El Filibusterismo:

"Hate never produces anything but monsters and crime criminals! Love alone realizes wonderful works, virtue alone can save! No, if our country has ever to be free, it will not be through vice and crime, it will not be so by corrupting its sons, deceiving some and bribing others, no! Redemption presupposes virtue, virtue sacrifice, and sacrifice love!"

Robredo said she hopes that every Filipino will take this to heart and work towards building a country envisioned by Rizal where the dignity of each citizen is upheld.

The vice president led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila on Sunday morning to mark the national hero's 122nd death anniversary. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News