Belmonte urges Filipinos to continue embracing democratic ideals

As the nation prepares for the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged Filipinos to continue embracing our democratic ideals in order to succeed in dealing with the country's present and future problems.

In his keynote address Monday at the opening of an art exhibit at the House of Representatives depicting the painful experiences during the Martial Law era, Belmonte said Filipinos should "use the Martial Law experience to impel us further into the future that we continue to aspire for our country and people."

The exhibit, entitled Recollection 1081 Clear and Present Danger, is a fitting tribute to the character, perseverance, and courage of those whose lives defined and redeemed that dark era, the Speaker said.

While it would have all been too easy to pursue a path of violence during those years, he noted that majority of our countrymen chose to reciprocate hatred and violence with peace and compassion.

"We held fast to the genuine principles of freedom and democracy. We made history during the People Power Revolution by embracing peace as our weapon against the guns and tanks that were brought to bear upon us," he stressed.

With martial rule long gone and Filipinos continue their struggle against the persistent and dehumanizing problems of poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment and inequality among other social ills, Belmonte challenged every citizen to make the proper response.

"Let us keep in our hearts and minds a great lesson which the Martial Law era taught us. Our victory against the social and economic challenges we face today will once again be attained through peaceful means. It will be through our democratic system that reforms will benefit the smallest and the poorest," he stressed.

"As we continue our efforts to see that justice is done for the victims of the Martial Law era, let us continue to embrace our democratic ideals. In the face of any clear and present danger, let our love for our country and people be our guiding beacon that will see us through to a safe passage," Belmonte said. (PNA)