Bonifacio Day: Duterte, Robredo honor the courage of the Katipunan co-founder

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo both paid homage to Andres Bonifacio in observance of the holiday honoring the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.”

Duterte’s recorded statement was aired early today during the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan that marked the hero’s 157th birthday.

“His love of country — which aroused our ancestors to fight for our freedom and secure our rightful place in the community of nations —- is very vital now, more than ever, as we overcome the challenges of COVID -19 pandemic,” said Duterte.

"As we remember his life and deeds, may the values he fought for, inspire us all to become worthy heirs of the just, progressive, and inclusive society that he envisioned more than a century ago,” added Duterte.

In a press statement, Robredo also called on Filipinos to follow the example of Bonifacio's courage.

“Hindi pakitang-tao ang tapang na ito. Ito ang tapang na hindi basta-basta tumitiklop dahil mahirap ang landas na hinaharap (This courage is not just for show. This courage will not be cowed no matter how difficult the road will be),” said Robredo.

“What Bonifacio exemplifies is not the cosmetic courage of bluster, or power, or brute strength; it is the courage of compassion,” Robredo added.

November 30 was established as Bonifacio Day in the 1920s when the Philippine Legislature then passed Act No. 2946. Unlike Rizal Day which is held on the day of Jose Rizal’s execution date at Bagumbayan, Bonifacio Day is held on the birthday of Bonifacio. This is because Bonfacio’s death came at the hands of his countrymen when he was killed in Cavite after being tried for treason along with his brother Procopio.

Bonifacio was also called “Supremo” as he was one of the founders of the Katipunan movement, which fought for the country’s independence against Spanish colonial rule at the close of the nineteenth century.