LAGUNA, Philippines — Laguna Governor Sol Aragones has come under fire from netizens after a social media post related to the commemoration of Dr. José Rizal sparked accusations of historical inaccuracy and insufficient fact-checking. The controversy emerged when netizens noticed that the greeting accompanying a floral tribute appeared to refer to Rizal Day as the national hero’s birthday, rather than the anniversary of his martyrdom.

Rizal Day, observed every December 30, marks the execution of Dr. José Rizal in 1896—an event that ignited the flames of the Philippine Revolution and cemented his legacy as a symbol of nationalism and resistance against colonial oppression. His birth, on the other hand, is commemorated separately on June 19.

Several online users questioned whether the governor or her staff had verified the historical context before publishing the message. “Does the governor not know what we commemorate on Rizal Day?” one netizen asked, while another added that it was “embarrassing” for a fellow Lagunense—Rizal being born in Calamba, Laguna—to appear unaware of such a basic national fact.

While the issue may seem minor to some, the backlash highlights a deeper concern about the responsibility of public officials to uphold historical accuracy, especially on occasions tied to national identity and collective memory. Leaders are often seen as educators by example, and even small errors can undermine public trust or fuel perceptions of carelessness.

This incident also opens a broader discourse on the role of staff research and institutional checks within government offices. In an age where information spreads instantly and errors are quickly amplified online, the margin for oversight has become increasingly thin. A simple mistake can easily overshadow the intended message of respect and remembrance. As of this writing, no official clarification has been issued regarding the post. Regardless of intent, the episode serves as a reminder that history—particularly the legacy of national heroes like José Rizal—is not merely ceremonial. It is foundational. Accuracy in honoring it is not just about correctness, but about respect for the past and responsibility to the public. (Larawan: Facebook)