Leila de Lima Honors Andres Bonifacio’s Legacy Amid Calls to Fight Corruption

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima commemorated the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on November 30 by urging Filipinos to embody the revolutionary leader’s enduring spirit in combating government corruption and abuses.

De Lima emphasized that if Bonifacio were alive today, he would be at the forefront of protests decrying widespread corruption and demanding accountability from those responsible. She highlighted that Bonifacio’s struggle was rooted in his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Filipinos, speaking out against oppression, livelihood deprivation, and threats to citizens’ lives.

"In the face of cruelty and abuse, he did not remain silent. The strongest weapon of the Katipuneros in their fight was their profound love for the motherland," De Lima stated.

She urged the public to rekindle the same resolve that the Katipuneros and national heroes upheld, noting that the challenges Bonifacio fought against persist in modern times. "We continue to face the same struggles in our era. Let us keep alive the spirit championed by Bonifacio, the Katipuneros, and our heroes," she added.

De Lima called for reinforced unity among Filipinos and a collective recommitment to truth, justice, and transparency in governance. This call resonates amid ongoing protests by various groups demanding transparency and accountability relating to allegations of officials receiving kickbacks tied to substandard or fictitious infrastructure projects.

Her remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the relevance of Bonifacio’s ideals in the current fight against corruption and government malpractice.