Sara, Isko invoke Bonifacio’s heroism amid societal turmoil

Vice President Sara Duterte and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso marked the 162nd birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on Sunday with separate messages that invoked the revolutionary hero’s legacy.

Both officials drew attention, implicitly and explicitly, to current political tensions, public distrust, and lingering questions of leadership and accountability.

Duterte, in a recorded video message, urged Filipinos to emulate the Katipunan founder’s bravery and ideals.

“Today, let us honor the valor and the burning bravery of Andres Bonifacio,” she said. “With the whole nation, let’s commemorate his heroism, and revive the spirit of patriotism and unity in the heart of every Filipino.”

The Vice President also challenged Filipinos to transform Bonifacio’s ideas into action, saying his life of struggle must serve as a template for civic engagement.

She encouraged the public to treat his sacrifice not merely as historical memory, but as a contemporary call to fight for social justice and equality.

Duterte added that Bonifacio’s courage should inspire everyone “to fight for justice, equality, and a bright future for the country.”

In Manila, Domagoso led his city’s commemoration and issued a pointed reminder about political deception and the responsibility of citizens to confront it.

Drawing directly from Bonifacio’s example, the mayor cautioned against modern-day leaders who sow confusion while evading accountability. He said Filipinos must remain alert to those who loudly accuse others but refuse to own their misdeeds.

Domagoso connected Bonifacio’s ideals to present controversies, noting that perseverance in the face of injustice has always defined the Filipino spirit.

He emphasized that national heroism has no place for selective morality, especially when public money is allegedly misused.

The mayor insisted that justice and accountability — especially in cases involving alleged misuse of public funds — must be pursued through the country’s institutions, reiterating that citizens ultimately hold the power to choose leaders who will protect public resources and uphold the law.

Both statements land at a critical juncture, as corruption controversies and protests continue to simmer nationwide.

Although neither Duterte nor Domagoso explicitly referenced current scandals, their remarks highlight a broader narrative: Bonifacio’s legacy remains a yardstick by which public leaders are judged.

Bonifacio’s historical significance is rooted not only in founding the Katipunan but also in his rejection of passive nationalism.

Born in Tondo, he galvanized ordinary Filipinos — workers, farmers, artisans — into a revolutionary force that challenged a colonial state.

His belief that freedom must be earned, not requested, continues to shape Philippine political consciousness.

Bonifacio’s execution in 1897 remains one of the most controversial moments of the revolution, reinforcing public distrust of leaders who betray the very cause they claim to defend.