On Bonifacio Day, Robredo says the hero serves as inspiration to pursue justice

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday said hero Andres Bonifacio serves as inspiration then and now in the pursuit of justice.

Robredo said this in a message she issued for the 158th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, who led the revolt against Spanish colonial rule in 1896.

"Sa araw na ito, ginugunita at binibigyang-pugay natin si Andres Bonifacio: Ang kaniyang pamumunong nagbunga ng pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipinong nais magdala ng pagbabago; ang kaniyang tapang na nagbubukal sa pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino; ang kaniyang kabayanihan," the vice president said.

(On this day, we remember and honor Andres Bonifacio: his leadership that led to unity of Filipinos wanting to have change, his courage that sprang from love for his fellow Filipinos; and his heroism.)

"Tumindig si Bonifacio, at nagsilbi itong inspirasyon sa pagtindig ng marami pang iba. Nagsisilbi siyang inspirasyon hanggang sa ngayon: Binabalikan natin ang kanyang halimbawa sa tuwing kailangan nating itaya ang lahat sa ngalan ng katarungan at makataong lipunan," she added.

(Bonifacio stood up, and this served as inspiration to others to stand up as well. It still serves as an inspiration up to now: We remember his example every time we need to lay down everything in the name of justice and humane society.)

According to Robredo, the hero's words still ring true today.

"Dala ni Bonifacio ang diwa ng laylayang pumapalag sa pang-aabuso ng makakapangyarihang interes. Patnubay pa rin natin ang kaniyang mga salita: “Walang mahalagang hindi inihandog/ Ng may pusong mahal sa Bayang nagkupkop;/ Dugo, yaman, dunong, katiisa’t pagod/ Buhay ma’y abuting magkalagut-lagot,” she said.

(Bonifacio signified the plight of those wanting to protest against the abuses of those in power. We are guided by his words.) 

"Pag-ibig itong handang magsakripisyo at ibuhos ang lahat. Patuloy natin itong isabuhay sa araw-araw; sa ganitong paraan, mapapanday natin ang bansang pinangarap ng ating mga bayani," Robredo added.

(This is love that is ready to sacrifice and give one's all. Let us live this every day; in this way, we can see the nation our heroes have longed for.)

"Kaisa ako ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ni Gat Andres Bonifacio)," she added.

(I am one with the Filipinos in commemorating the birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio.) —KG, GMA News