CEBU City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday called on public officials to remember the heroism of Jose Rizal and their own duty to serve the Filipino people.
Labella spoke in Plaza Sugbu at an outdoor ceremony marking the 119th death anniversary of the country’s national hero.
“Rizal died for the Philippines to live and breathe the air of democracy, and not for political bickering, character assassination, and perpetuating the social and political imbalance that persists in the country,” he said.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella delivers his message during Rizal Day at Plaza Sugbo. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
His speech before a crowd gathered in front of a statue of Rizal outside City Hall several times praised suspended Mayor Michael Rama as someone who exemplifies virtues of Rizal.
After the ceremony, Labella said his comments referred to the “instability” in the Cebu City Council where repeated delays had stalled approval of Supplemental Budget 1 (SB1), which the mayor wanted passed to pay off the South Road Properties (SRP) loan.
Labella again called on councilors from the majority bloc to attend the special session to act on SB 1.
“Rizal fought for us to have our freedom to speak and discuss. So let’s gather, agree, and talk,” Labella said.
He also said his speech was directly mostly at the current state of national affairs and how presidential candidates continue to attack each other.
Labella said that democracy should promote open conversation so that candidates talk about issues and their concrete plans to solve them.
He said there should be more public discussion about poverty alleviation and good governance.
“I urge everyone to remember their role as citizens as we continue to fight the many problems of this new generation, in fighting crimes and illegal activities,” he added.
Labella was the only local elected official present during yesterday’s ceremony.
He spoke before a tathering of students, policemen, firemen, and City Hall employees, City Administrator Lucelle Mercado and City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas.
A floral arrangement was alter laid at the foot of the Rizal Monument.
The Dec. 30 event for Rixal Day is organized each year by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) of Cebu City.