First Philippine Republic is Worth Dying For — Robin Padilla

Actor Robin Padilla said Philippine freedom is worth dying for as he paid tribute to the significance of the First Philippine Republic which was inaugurated at the historic Barasoain Church here 118 years ago.

Padilla, together with actress Vina Morales, joined city officials headed by Mayor Christian D. Natividad and the people of Malolos in commemorating the 118th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic at the patio of Barasoain Church on Monday morning.

He said that if the Supremo of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio, who he portrayed in one of his films, is still alive today, he would remind the Filipino race and say these words: “Mahal kong mga kapatid, kaibigan at kababayan, ang araw na ito ay dapat kilalanin at ipagdiwang upang ang bagong henerasyon ay mamulat sa maganda at matamis na kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (My dear brothers, friends and countrymen, this day should be recognized and be celebrated so that the new generation would become conscious on the nice and sweet history of the Philippines).

Padilla said that it is high time to unite, under the significance of the First Philippine Republic, and commemorate it without any shed of politics.

He said the event here that transpired 118 years ago was the fruit of the hardships by patriots like Rizal, Bonifacio, Del Pilar and other Filipino heroes as well as the revolutionaries who fought, killed and died for independence and sovereignty.

Padilla said the people of the Republic should not forget the blood, sweat and tears that Filipino freedom fighters have shed and should always be ready to do so.

Padilla and Morales thanked Mayor Natividad and the city government of Malolos for giving them an opportunity to be a part of one of the momentous celebrations in the country and have a part in paying tribute to the significance of the First Philippine Republic.

Natividad for his part, said that as long as there are people who will remember and rekindle in the hearts the importance of the First Philippine Republic, Philippine freedom will not die nor fade away.

“Thus, let us always celebrate this event not only in this noble city of Malolos, but also for in the entire nation and in other parts of the world where there are Filipinos,” he said. (PNA)LAP/ZST/EGGAMOS