Vice President Sara Duterte enjoined Filipinos to honor Jose Rizal by standing by what is right and have a collective effort towards a fair and free Philippines.
In her Rizal Day message, Duterte urged the nation to remember the national hero's bravery amid persecution.
"Ngayong araw, sa paggunita natin sa buhay ni Jose Rizal, alalahanin natin ang kanyang katapangan sa harap ng pang-aapi (Today, in remembering the life of Jose Rizal, we remember his bravery in the midst of persecution)," Duterte said on her video message Monday, Dec. 30.
The Vice President further said that the martyrdom of Rizal reminds the nation that even in the darkest times, truth and justice will prevail.
"Ang napakatinding pagsubok na kanyang pinagdaanan ay nagpapaalala sa atin na kahit sa pinakamadilim na oras, ang liwanag ng katotohanan at katarungan ay maaaring manaig (The profound suffering he went through reminds us that even in the darkest times, truth and justice can prevail)," she said.
She told the citizenry to honor Rizal through upholding the truth and help in achieving a just and free Philippines.
"Parangalan natin ang kanyang alaala sa pamamagitan ng paninindigan para sa tama at kolektibong pagsusumikap tungo sa mas makatarungan, pantay, at tunay na malayang Pilipinas (Let us honor his memories through standing by what is right and collective effort towards a fairer Philippines and achieve the country's true freedom)," Duterte said.