Marcos on Nat'l Heroes Day: Fight corruption, abuse of power to save future generations

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos Monday to fight corruption and abuse of power for the sake of the future generations during a ceremony for National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“Kailangan din nating labanan ang banta ng katiwalian at pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan sa ating lipunan,” Marcos said during his speech at the event.

(We also need to fight the menace of corruption and abuse of power in our society.)

“Dahil hindi lamang salapi ang kanilang ninanakaw, kundi pati ang kalusugan, pangarap, at kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon na Pilipino,” he added.

(Because it is not just money that they are stealing, but also the health, dreams, and future of future generations of Filipinos,” he added.

Marcos pointed out that as Filipinos, everyone has a responsibility to the country to be more critical of wrongdoing, to expose fraud, and to stand up for what is right even if it is not easy.

During his speech, Marcos honored the “Visayan Joan of Arc” Teresa Magbanua who fought against Spanish colonial oppression as well as the unsung heroes who helped achieve the country’s independence.

“Sa gitna ng panganib at sa bawat pagsubok, hindi siya sumuko. At hanggang sa kanyang pagtanda, patuloy siyang naging sandigan ng mga sundalo at gerilyang lumaban para sa bayan,” he said.

(In the midst of danger and every trial, she did not give up. And until her old age, she continued to be the pillar of support for the soldiers and guerrillas who fought for the country.)

“Ngayong Araw ng mga Bayani, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga Pilipinong hindi naisulat ang pangalan sa mga pahina ng kasaysayan ngunit naging mitsa at apoy na bumuhay sa ating kasarinlan,” he added.

(On Heroes Day, we pay tribute to the Filipinos whose names were not written in the pages of history but who became the wick and fire that revived our independence.)

Marcos led the country in commemorating National Heroes Day by offering a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“This year’s theme, ‘Isang Diwa, Isang Lahi, Isang Bayanihan’ (One Spirit, One Race, One Bayanihan), highlights the bravery of Filipino heroes — both known and unsung — who fought for freedom and dignity,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Republic Act No. 9492 designates the last Monday of August as National Heroes Day. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News