MANILA — Both President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte asked Filipinos on Saturday to honor the life and heroism of Andres Bonifacio through remembering and continuing his fight, as the Philippines commemorates his 161st birth anniversary.

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In a statement, Marcos Jr. said Filipinos owe Bonifacio, the Supremo of Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), a debt of gratitude for "awakening our national consciousness, upholding our sense of identity, and rousing our spirit of self-determination."

He emphasized that one can honor Bonifacio by "finding a deeper meaning in his sacrifice and doing our part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other ills of society,"

Marcos Jr. also underscored the revolutionary leader's humble beginnings that "did not deter him from realizing his dreams and goals for our country."

“With his courage, he lit the flames of the Philippine Revolution, which finally united our land and emboldened many to lay down their lives willingly for the cause of our motherland against the colonizers,” he said.

“His courage, selflessness, and determination continue to inspire us all to strive for greatness in our shared task of nation-building," he continued.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin led a wreath-laying ceremony for Bonifacio on behalf of the President, while Marcos Jr visited fire victims in Tondo on Bonifacio Day.

DUTERTE: DEFEND OUR FREEDOM

Duterte meanwhile said remembering the Supremo's sacrifice must awaken the country's consciousness on difficulties that it has to face like hunger, poverty, unemployment, and lack of social services.

She reminded Filipinos to "keep Bonifacio's spirit alive in their hearts."

"Tiyakin sana lagi natin na manatiling buhay ang diwa ni Bonifacio sa ating mga puso. Ipalaganap natin ang mensahe ng kanyang kabayanihan sa isa’t isa at sana ay maging apoy itong mag-alab para tayo ay maging mas matatag, matapang, at naninindigan," she said.

(Let's ensure that Bonifacio's spirit remains alive in our hearts. Let's spread his message of heroism to each other and hope that it can serve as fire that can make us more resilient, courageous, and confident.)

Duterte highlighted that the revolutionary leader's legacy is the country's freedom from colonizers and that we have to take care and fight for it.

"Mga kababayan, ang pamana ni Bonifacio sa atin ay ang ating kalayaan. Alagaan natin ito. Ipaglaban natin ito. Patunayan natin na bilang mga Piliipino ay maisug tayo!" Duterte stressed.

(My fellow countrymen, our freedom is Bonifacio's legacy. Let's take care of it. Let's fight for it. Let's prove that we're brave as Filipinos!)

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'LET US REJECT FEAR, DIVISION'

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, on the other hand, said Bonifacio Day reminds Filipinos of the crucial role of "integrity, unity, and accountability in nation-building."

He mentioned that Bonifacio's life shows leadership demands "not just strength, but also respect for others and deep sense of responsibility to uphold the greater good".

“In these challenging times, when the principles of democracy and good governance are put to the test, let us draw inspiration from Bonifacio’s bravery and steadfast commitment to the truth,” Romualdez said, emphasizing that the country must move forward as a collective force.

“Let us reject fear, division, and discord, and instead work together in the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ to build a nation grounded on peace, justice, and prosperity for all,” he added.