President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument in Manila on the 129th anniversary of Jose Rizal's martyrdom, urging Filipinos to uphold patriotism and truth amid corruption scandals. The event highlighted Rizal's legacy as officials and family gathered, complementing earlier messages on integrity from Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
At Manila's Luneta Park, Marcos honored Rizal, stating, “Today, as Filipinos demand integrity and accountability from their leaders, we look up to his life to provide us with guidance and strength.” This echoed his broader call, detailed in prior coverage, for embodying Rizal's values of truth, reform, and country-first patriotism under the 'Bagong Pilipinas' vision.
Key attendees included National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Armed Forces Vice Chief Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, other officials, and diplomats. Marcos was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and sons House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon, and William Vincent.
Post-ceremony, Marcos led gift-giving at Rizal Park's Open-Air Auditorium and hosted a year-end event for over 2,000 Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM) supporters, led by Artemio Lachica.
Similar observances occurred at Rizal's birthplace shrine in Calamba, Laguna; Dapitan shrine in Zamboanga del Norte; and other monuments nationwide, per the NHCP.
Vice President Sara Duterte, whose message on mental and emotional freedom from abuse was covered earlier, added to the day's themes amid strained Marcos-Duterte ties. Their 2022 UniTeam alliance dissolved in 2024, escalating to her impeachment, her father's ICC surrender on humanity crimes charges, and probes into flood control kickbacks implicating figures like former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and ex-congressman Zaldy Co.
