Marcos: Uphold truth, patriotismMANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines continues to be beset by widespread corruption, President Marcos yesterday urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from national hero Jose Rizal by upholding patriotism, truth and responsible citizenship. Marcos led the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at the Rizal Monument in Manila as the nation commemorated the 129th anniversary of Rizal’s heroism and martyrdom. First Lady Liza Marcos and their children, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon and William Vincent, joined the President. The Marcoses hosted a year-end celebration for some 2,000 supporters from the Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos or FIRM, led by founding president Artemio Lachica. Marcos and Duterte’s political alliance in the 2022 general elections, dubbed the UniTeam, collapsed in 2024.

Source: Philippine Star December 30, 2025 22:01 UTC