This time the feuding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and Speaker Martin Romualdez were in agreement, as they marked the birthday yesterday of the great revolutionary Gat Andres Bonifacio.

The nation observed the 161st birth anniversary of the hero of the proletariat who led hundreds of thousands of Filipinos under the Katipunan to rebel against Spanish colonial rule.

In his message, Marcos highlighted the humble beginnings of Bonifacio and his dreams for the country.

“With his courage, he lit the flames of the Philippine Revolution, which finally united our land and emboldened many to lay down their lives willingly for the cause of our motherland against the colonizers,” he said.

He urged Filipinos to honor the legacy of the Katipuneros as “we owe them a debt of gratitude for awakening our nationalist consciousness, upholding our sense of identity, and rousing our spirit of self-determination.”

Marcos noted that even after more than a century, Bonifacio’s struggle must be pursued to allow the nation to progress.

“His courage, selflessness, and determination continue to inspire us all to strive for greatness in our shared task of nation building,” he said.

“Let us honor his memory by finding a deeper meaning to his sacrifice and doing our part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other ills of society.”

Marcos hoped that with Bonifacio’s patriotism, discipline, and love for one another as a guide, Filipinos would be empowered to live a life of genuine peace, progress and harmony.

Sara cites eye-opener

VP Duterte echoed Mr. Marcos as she called on Filipinos to reflect on the legacy of Bonifacio and his sacrifice for Philippine independence.

Duterte expressed hope that Bonifacio Day would serve as an eye-opener toward resolving societal problems such as poverty, hunger, and joblessness. That it would remind us of the need of most Filipinos for basic services.

She said Bonifacio serves to inspire Filipinos to be good citizens.

“Let’s ensure that Bonifacio’s heroism remains in our hearts. Let us spread his courageous message to one another and let that fire ignite within us so that we can be stronger, braver and more resilient,” she said.

She also urged Filipinos to protect and fight for freedom.

“Let us prove that Filipinos are brave, and all is for God, country and people,” she said.

Romualdez calls for ‘bayanihan’

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, said Filipinos should set aside fear, division, and discord, urging them instead to unite in the spirit of “bayanihan” to build a stronger and more resilient nation.

In a statement marking Bonifacio Day, Romualdez emphasized the importance of integrity, unity and accountability in the pursuit of a better future for the Philippines. He reminded the people of Bonifacio’s enduring legacy, highlighting the revolutionary hero’s courage and sacrifice in the fight against oppression and injustice.

“Let us reject fear, division and discord, and instead work together in the spirit of bayanihan to build a nation grounded on peace, justice, and prosperity for all,” he said.

Romualdez reflected on the lessons of Bonifacio’s life and the relevance of his ideals today.

“Bonifacio stood against tyranny and division, championing the ideals of freedom, justice, and the welfare of the Filipino people above all else. In these challenging times, when the principles of democracy and good governance are put to the test, let us draw inspiration from Bonifacio’s bravery and steadfast commitment to the truth,” he said.

The Speaker highlighted the need for leadership that upholds the greater good. “His life reminds us that genuine leadership demands not just strength, but also respect for others and a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the greater good,” he added.

As the Philippines grapples with political division and economic pressures, Romualdez urged Filipinos to unite under a nation founded on justice, equality and shared prosperity.

“The path toward progress is never without challenges,” the Speaker noted. “But like Bonifacio, we must face them with unwavering resolve and a firm belief in the collective power of the Filipino people.”

Romualdez encouraged Filipinos to safeguard the democracy and freedoms that Bonifacio fought for and to honor his memory through vigilance and unity.