VP Sara urges Filipinos on Rizal Day: Let’s stand for truth, justice

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday urged Filipinos to find the courage to stand for truth and justice as they remember the sacrifices of national hero Jose Rizal.

In commemoration of Rizal Day, the Vice President highlighted how Rizal inspired a fearless love for the country and the dream of true freedom through his writings.

“Ang tunay na aral ni Rizal ay malinaw: 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 in a video message.

(Rizal's lesson is clear: Freedom does not only mean freedom from foreign power, but also the freedom of our mind and emotions from abuse, disunity, and evil.)

“Sa paggunita natin sa kanyang sakripisyo, manumbalik nawa ang ating lakas at tapang na manindigan para sa katotohanan at katarungan. Huwag nating hayaang mamatay ang diwa ng karunungan at pagkakaisa,” she added.

(As we commemorate his sacrifice, may our strength and courage reignite to stand for truth and justice. Let us not allow the spirit of wisdom and unity to die.)

Duterte also stressed that real and lasting change comes from learning, moral integrity, and collective action within communities and institutions.—MCG, GMA Integrated News