By Ellen Tordesillas
YESTERDAY was the 151st birth anniversary of one of Filipinos’ great heroes, Andres Bonifacio (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897).
Today, we are a sovereign nation, independent and free, largely because of Bonifacio.
Bonifacio is considered the “the Father of the Philippine Revolution”. He founded the Katipunan, short for Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule.
Save for a short message released by Malacañang, there was no other activity led by President Aquino that commemorated the birth of Bonifacio.
Come to think of it, why would Aquino bother with Bonifacio? Remember his reason for not going to the wake of Jennifer Laude, the transgender who was killed by an American serviceman? He doesn’t go to the wake of people he doesn’t know.
Aquino has no affinity with Bonifacio.
Bonifacio, unlike other Filipino revolutionaries who came from ilustrado families, Bonifacio was born to a poor family in Tondo. That’s why he is also known as “The Great Plebeian.”
Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the militant group, Bayan said “Aquino is more Aguinaldo rather than Bonifacio. He claims to be for change yet he defends the status quo. He has betrayed the people’s aspirations for genuine freedom and democracy. His daang matuwid is a sham.”
Malacañang released this message by Aquino:
“I join the Filipino People in celebrating Bonifacio Day.
“Andres Bonifacio’s patriotism ignited the passion within our countrymen to fight for liberty and demand dignity, freedom, and sovereignty for the land of our ancestors. Now, 151 years after his birth, our history and identity tested by the many challenges we have overcome, we unite as one nation to remember his sacrifice and desire to see us take charge of our destiny.
“The Philippines has become a dynamic and progressive hub of business and commerce, and it will continue to thrive as we fight to vanquish the culture of greed and corruption once rampant in our system as we renew our dedication to fostering integrity and accountability in our institutions. We have created for ourselves the opportunity to fulfill the dreams Gat Andres envisioned for us. May this day renew the spirit of camaraderie in all of us and inspire us to aspire to greater heights of prosperity. Together, let us forge a path to a more inclusive future.
“I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration.”
Presidential messages are written by Palace writers.
It was the workers who celebrated yesterday the Katipunan Supremo’s birthday.
Some 5,000 workers, members of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno and the women’s group, Gabriela gathered at the plaza named after him, Liwasang Bonifacio, in Manila reciting his immortal words:, “Ang maghimagsik ay makatarungan!”
Special guest was actor Robin Padilla.
The workers paid tribute to the hero recalling his humble beginnings: Si Andres Bonifacio, o Andoy para sa kanyang pamilya at malalapit na kaibigan, ay isinilang noong ika-30 ng Nobyembre taong 1863 sa Tondo, Maynila.
Bilang panganay sa limang anak nina Santiago Bonifacio at Catalina de Castro, itinaguyod ni Andoy ang kanyang mga nakababatang kapatid nang sila ay maulila noong siya ay edad 14 na taong gulang pa lamang.
Dinanas ni Andoy ang mabibigat at iba’t ibang tipo ng trabaho mairaos lamang ang kanyang mga kapatid. Dito napanday ang pagiging masigasig, masipag, at determinado ni Bonifacio.
“Dahil batid at danas ni Bonifacio ang matinding kahirapan, hindi naging mahirap para sa kanyang yakapin ang pangangailangan ng solidong pagkakaisa ng mamamayan upang ipagtanggol at ipaglaban ang kanilang sariling kalayaan mula sa mga mapanakop na Kastila at Pilipinong alipores nito sa bansa. Pinangunahan ni Bonifacio ang pagtatatag ng Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan o KKK, ang lihim na samahang naglalayong wakasan ang pang-aapi at pagsasamantala ng dayuhang Kastila at lokal na burgesya. At noong 1896, naipagtagumpay nito ang unang malawakang rebolusyong Pilipino.”
They slammed the return of American soldiers to the Philippines through the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement or EDCA.
“Paglapastangan sa alaala ng ating mga ninunong nakipaglaban para sa kalayaan ang pananatili ng mga dayuhang militar sa ating lupain, kaya nararapat lamang na iwaksi ng mga bagong rebolusyonaryo ang pagtataksil ni Pangulong Aquino nang kanyang pahintulutan ang panunumbalik ng base militar ng Kano sa pamamamagitan ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” Gabriela said.
Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan demanded the immediate release of the leader of the farmers, Antonio Flores, secretary general of the KMP (Peasant Movement of the Philippines).
She also warned about the situation in Hacienda Luisita: “Aquino’s persistent ploy to keep his family’s hold on 6,000 hectares of sugar farms will only fuel revolution and fiercer peasant struggles for land.”
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