‘Let us carry the torch of truth, justice, and freedom, thereby upholding the legacies of our heroes and
breathing new life into modern day KKK — Katotohanan, Katarungan at Kalayaan — our guiding principles
for nation building.’
KINDLY allow me to pen an open letter to the Filipino youth, including my children, nieces and nephews, in time for the 127th Philippine Independence Day.
Dear Young Filipinos,
As we celebrate our Independence Day, let’s reflect on the heroes who fought for our freedom and justice. Their legacies are not just history; they are a call to action for each of us.
Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated in Episode 1 of the BBM Podcast:
“I want to be respected, but maybe fear is better.”
This statement resonates with the authoritarian style of his father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and is inspired by political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli, who famously discussed whether a leader should be loved or feared.
President Marcos’ contemplation of fear as a more effective tool for leadership echoes his father’s approach during martial law.
Just as President Marcos and his father trace their roots to Ilocos Norte, two other distinguished Ilocanos — Fr. José Burgos and his great-grandnephew, Jose G. Burgos Jr., whom my cousins and I fondly called Tito Boy — hail from Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
I’d like to share the powerful legacies of these two Burgoses, who, though separated by generations, were united in their unwavering fight for freedom, justice, and truth. As noted by Tata Max Soliven and Matt Wolf in their Philippine Star article published on April 9, 2000, Tito Boy “happens, incidentally, to be a great grandnephew of the heroic Father Burgos (his namesake).”
Fr. José Burgos stood as a beacon of courage during the Spanish colonial era, boldly challenging the injustices of his time. His execution in 1872, alongside fellow priests Mariano Gómez and Jacinto Zamora, sparked a wave of resistance and inspired the Philippine Revolution. His martyrdom became a symbol of the Filipino struggle for independence and social reform.
Our national hero, Dr. José Rizal, deeply admired Fr. Burgos’ sacrifice, dedicating his novel El Filibusterismo to him and the other martyred priests, acknowledging their profound influence on his struggle for liberation.
Fast forward to the martial law era, and another Burgos emerged as a champion of press freedom and social justice.
Tito Boy, our country’s press freedom icon, established the We Forum in 1977, fearlessly exposing the truth about the Marcos dictatorship. Despite his imprisonment in 1982, alongside my father Eduard, Tito Alil Tronqued, Don Chino Roces, Dean Armando Malay, Tata Cris Martinez and other courageous We Forum editorial staff, Tito Boy continued his relentless fight for democracy and human rights with the unwavering support of his wife, Tita Edith, his father and my grandfather, Josefino Jimenez Burgos, CEG Founder Tata Ernie Rodriguez, Tata James Barbers, Dean Tony Coronel, Tito Jake Macasaet, Tita Chuchay Molina-Fernandez, Joel Paredes, Desiree Carlos, Chit Estrella, Ellen Tordesillas, Joel Saracho, Rita Festin, Joey Salgado, Joy Gruta and Jun Lopez, among others.
Their collective strength led to the establishment of Ang Pahayagang Malaya, a vital platform for independent journalism during a time of oppression. Today, Malaya Business Insight, under Allen Macasaet, continues this legacy of fearless reporting.
This year’s theme, “Embrace and Preserve Our Culture to Unite and Empower the Future,” reminds us of the significance of our heritage in shaping our identity and our path forward.
Yet, as we honor our past, we must confront the present.
The Senate’s delay in convening the impeachment court against Vice President Sara Duterte, despite the House’s overwhelming vote to impeach her on February 5, 2025, is deeply troubling. The charges —ranging from misuse of confidential funds to alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings — are serious and demand immediate accountability.
Rights groups, legal scholars, and civic leaders have decried this delay as a betrayal of constitutional duty and a suppression of truth. The Constitution mandates that the Senate proceed forthwith — without delay — once the Articles of Impeachment are received. Four months have passed. No trial has begun.
This inaction is not just a political maneuver — it is a moral failure.
Fr. Burgos and Tito Boy stood for truth, justice, and accountability. Their courage compels us to demand the same from our leaders today.
On this 127th Independence Day, let us honor their sacrifices by staying informed, engaging in civic duties, and advocating for a society where truth, peace, justice, equality, and inclusivity prevail.
Let us carry the torch of truth, justice, and freedom, thereby upholding the legacies of our heroes and breathing new life into modern day KKK — Katotohanan, Katarungan at Kalayaan — our guiding principles for nation building.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino!
