Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

On timelessness of Rizal's teaching

The uproar over the repainting of the ancestral home of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, from white to color green, has at least brought into the foreground issues relating to our history and love of country. Personally, I think that historical accuracy should be the guiding principle in maintaining or preserving historical sites like the Rizal home in Calamba, Laguna.

I like the color green, but what I want to see is the greening of the Philippines through the planting of trees. This is the reason I founded Luntiang Pilipinas in 1998, because trees fight air pollution and soil erosion, while providing home and sanctuary for countless species. Likewise, they beautify our surroundings.

But all of these discussions are healthy because the present generation must be reminded of the timelessness of the ideals, thoughts and actions of our heroes, like Dr. Jose Rizal - that freedom is earned and that we cannot let pass any and all forms of tyranny, even those perpetrated not by foreign colonizers but by those of our countrymen who may be drunk with power.

On pre-election smear job

The distribution of campaign stickers bearing the words "Chiz-Loren in 2010, donated by Smartmatic" was a cheap gimmickry and a pathetic attempt at a smear job. While we have yet to announce any intention to run in the 2010 elections, it is clear that the dirty-tricks department of some election operators are already churning garbage.

But these operators should work harder to be believable because they are only exposing their patrons' insecurities. They should remind themselves that the people know very well that those who are targeted by black propagandists are almost always those who are seen as the strongest candidates.

I am saddened though because while our nation is poised to automate our elections, some people cannot seem to break away from the deplorable practice of assassinating characters.