Marcos cites Jose Rizal's life as Filipinos seek integrity from leaders

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the life of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal as Filipinos continue to demand accountability and integrity from their leaders.

''We look up to his life to provide us with guidance and strength,'' Marcos said in his message for the 129th commemoration of Rizal Day.

“Let our celebration deepen our resolve to live by the values he embodied: love of country, respect for truth, a tireless pursuit of just reform, and the courage to speak and act for what is right,” he added. 

Marcos hoped that the commemoration will inspire every Filipino, especially the youth ''to pair patriotism with responsible citizenship so that we can be of better service to the country.''

The President graced the annual Rizal Day commemoration as he offered wreath at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park. 

He also led the Pamaskong Handog Mula sa Pangulo, which was held at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium.

Meanwhile, Marcos said that Rizal, through his writings and martyrdom, awakened the citizens’ sense of identity and showed that Filipinos deserve dignity, freedom, and the power to determine their own future.

''May we allow Rizal's principles to guide the way we live and work for our nation so that in whatever we do, we always choose compassion over indifference and country over personal interests,'' Marcos said. 

He said that in every act of integrity and every stand for truth, ''we keep Dr. Rizal's dreams alive and bring our shared vision of a Bagong Pilipinas closer to reality.'' 

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

Duterte highlighted how Rizal inspired a fearless love for the country and the dream of true freedom through his writings.

Rizal was executed by a firing squad at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) on December 30, 1896 for the crime of rebellion against the Spanish colonial government. His death sparked the move for Philippine independence.

The National Historical Commission (NHC) has announced the activities on December 30 in commemoration of the 129th anniversary of Rizal's martyrdom.

The theme for this year is “Rizal: Sa Pagbangonng ng mga Mamayan, Aral, at Diwa Mo and Tunay na Gabay," the NHC said.

READ: Rizal Day 2025 activities: Where and when

—KG, GMA Integrated News