On the occasion of Andrés Bonifacio's 159th birth anniversary on 30 November, President Bongbong Marcos called on Filipinos to honor the national hero's "life of extraordinary selflessness by becoming dutiful and law-abiding citizens."
In a speech released by the Office or the Press Secretary, Marcos said:
"I join the entire Filipino people in commemorating the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.
"Today, we cherish the freedoms we hold with even greater fervor… Bonifacio's spirit lives on in the stories we tell and use to build on his legacy, breathing new life into his words with our sense of duty and patriotism.
"It is through the bold ideas of the Father of the Philippine Revolution that our heroic ancestors were able to muster the will and the courage to fight their oppressors, paving the way to our motherland's emancipation. Indeed, it was his deeds that provided the impetus for our collective liberation, which we are challenged to preserve and protect amidst these trying times.
"The shackles that once held our forebears may no longer constrain us, but we must remain vigilant in protecting our country from social ills and other elements that threaten our liberties. I call on my fellow Filipinos to honor Bonifacio's life of extraordinary selflessness by becoming dutiful and law-abiding citizens who will contribute towards a brighter and freer future for all Filipinos.
"I wish everyone a meaningful celebration. Mabuhay si Gat Andres Bonifacio!"
