National Heroes Day Message

Today, as the country remembers National Heroes Day, let us reflect on the immortal line in El Filibusterismo, penned by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, “There are no tyrants, where there are no slaves.”

These words bear greater significance today as there are imminent dangers to the personal liberties that we enjoy as a people and the democratic ideals that we cherish as a nation.

Recent events in the country, particularly the brazen assault on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and senseless attack on its religious and peaceful members, have shown the emergence of new breed of heroes – ordinary ones living amongst us in our communities – whose heroism resides in rising above self-interest.

Isa sa mga makabagong bayani ay si Vice President Inday Sara Duterte. Sa mga kasalukuyang namumuno sa bansa, tanging ang ating Bise Presidente ang nag-iisang matapang na boses – habang ang lahat ay tahimik – na nagsabing pagtataksil sa tiwala ng bayan ang ginawang paglusob sa KOJC Compound. The Vice President, in the ultimate act of humility, likewise asked forgiveness for asking KOJC family to vote for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Tulad ng paninindigan ni VP Sara, tayo rin ay manindigan sa karapatan. Manindigan sa kalayaan. Manindigan sa demokrasya.

Huwag tayong paalipin sa tiranikong pamumuno ng isang adiktador.

Manindigan, Pilipinas, dahil tayo ay duyan ng magigiting na bayani.