Senator Loren Legarda’s statement on the stolen bust of Dr. Jose Rizal in Paris, France

I strongly condemn the theft and desecration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust at the Place Jose Rizal in Paris’ 9th arrondissement, as confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Rizal is deeply honored not only by Filipinos but also by the government and people of France, the country where he once studied and completed his novel El Filibusterismo. The stealing of his bust is an affront to our cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of our national hero, whose ideals of freedom and reform transcend borders.

I commend the Philippine Embassy for its prompt reporting of the incident to French authorities, who are now coordinating efforts to recover the missing bust. I call on local authorities and the broader community to help ensure that the bust is returned to its rightful place and that the memory and values embodied by Rizal continue to be honored and protected.