PRESIDENT Marcos on Monday said the Philippines must fight not only to strengthen its defences, but also to confront corruption and abuse of power, warning that such acts rob future generations of their health, dreams, and future.
“As Filipinos, we have a responsibility to our country to be more critical of wrongdoing, to expose deception, and to stand up for what we know is right, even if it is not easy,” the President said at the Libingan ng mga Bayani during the National Heroes Day commemoration.
On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte paid tribute to national and modern-day heroes in her “Araw ng mga Bayani” post on her social media accounts.
For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero said the sacrifice of the country’s heroes “remind us that patriotism isn’t just about courage, but about standing up to put the welfare of the masses first.”
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez meanwhile urged the people to continue fighting corruption, injustice, and indifference, warning that tolerating these ills would betray the memory of Filipino heroes whose sacrifices won the country’s freedom.
The President said defending freedom requires vigilance against corruption and dishonesty.
“Therefore, we should not ignore small deceptions. Because if we repeatedly let them pass, they gradually destroy our society without us realizing it,” he said.
Mr. Marcos urged Filipinos to be discerning, expose wrongdoing, and stand for what is right even when it is difficult.
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet members, lawmakers, local officials, members of the armed services, police, coast guard, diplomats and veterans.
The President also paid tribute to Teresa Magbanua, known as the “Visayan Joan of Arc,” who left her profession as a teacher in Iloilo in 1898 to join the fight for independence.
“In the year 1898, a female teacher from Iloilo traded her simple life to fight for the freedom of the Philippine nation. She is Teresa Magbanua or Nanay Isa,” Mr. Marcos said.
He added that Magbanua, along with countless others, sacrificed her life, security and livelihood so Filipinos today could enjoy freedom.
“Sa araw na ito, inaalala natin ang kabayanihan ng lahat mga Pilipinong nag-alay ng buhay at lakas para sa kapakanan ng bansang Pilipinas. Kinikilala natin ang kanilang katapangan, kadakilaan, at pagkakaisa upang makamit ang ating kasarinlan,” the Vice President said.
She also honored the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with teachers, doctors, nurses, and front-liners who continuously serve the country.
In his message online, the Senate President said: “…heroism never ends in the past. It is not measured in monuments, history books, or war narratives. Ordinary citizens keep writing this — teachers, workers, farmers, soldiers, and frontliners. They are everyday Filipinos quietly serving the nation, with concern, honor, and commitment.”
“As legislators, it is our duty to recognize and voice the patriotism of every Filipino. In the Senate, we advance laws and policies that deepen the spirit of democracy, justice, and equality, aspirations our heroes fought for past and present,” Escudero said.
The Speaker, on the other hand, pointed out that “freedom was never given to us lightly. It was fought for, defended, and won through the blood, sweat and tears of those who came before us.”
“That is why we cannot allow corruption, injustice or indifference to undo the gains our heroes secured. To do so would be a betrayal of their memory,” he added.
According to the leader of the House of Representatives, the commemoration is not only to honor towering figures of history but also “the countless Filipinos whose quiet sacrifices made our freedom possible.”
“On National Heroes Day, we honor not only the great figures of our history but also the countless Filipinos whose quiet sacrifices made our freedom possible. Their courage is a constant challenge to us in public service to place the country above self,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker stressed that the House is committed to advancing the legacy of the country’s heroes through meaningful legislation.
“In the House of Representatives, we strive to honor their legacy by passing laws that uplift the poor, protect our workers and farmers, and safeguard our sovereignty,” Romualdez said.
“Heroism did not end in the past. It lives on in our soldiers, teachers, health workers and ordinary citizens who put duty before comfort,” the Speaker pointed out.
The House chief emphasized that every generation has its own call to heroism.
“Each generation is called to be heroic in its own way. For us today, it means uniting to confront poverty, strengthen our democracy and defend our sovereignty in the face of new challenges,” Romualdez said.
