PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday honored all the “selfless Filipinos” who played important roles in the attainment of the country’s freedom.
Marcos said that during the dark years of the country, countless lives were lost, families torn apart, and the future of many Filipinos became uncertain but the likes of Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Padre Gomez, Padre Burgos, Padre Zamora, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Emilio Aguinaldo, Melchora Aquino and thousands of unsung heroes fought the oppressors, enabling the country to gain freedom.
He said the Filipino heroes’ sacrifices have brought light to the suffering people by warding off the oppressors.
“Let us honor this day not just by remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers. We must live with the same courage and love of country; for freedom is not just something that we inherit but a right that we must protect every single day,” Marcos said during the 127th celebration of Independence Day at the Rizal Park in Manila.
Marcos said present-day Filipinos should be thankful for the strength and courage the heroes displayed for the freedom the people are now enjoying.
“Ngayon, malaya nating naipapahayag ang ating saloobin nang kinatatakutan, at malayang nagagawa ang naiisin ng walang iniiwasan (No, we are free to express our feelings without fear and we are free to do what we desire without repercussion),” he said.
He also paid tribute to countless and nameless Filipinos who worked for the betterment of society and humanity.
“Today, we celebrate one of the proudest milestones in our history — the moment our flag was first unfurled in the sky on that eventful day of 1898 in Kawit, Cavite…The journey to reach that moment was long, arduous, and costly, requiring the sacrifice of selfless individuals for over a century,” Marcos said.
“This precious gift has also encouraged countless individuals to dedicate their diligence and devotion to their respective fields for the glory of our nation,” he added.
He called on the people to honor the nation’s “priceless freedom by building a country worthy of the sacrifices made by our heroes.”
Senate President Francis Escudero said the celebration of Independence Day brings back memories of how our nation’s heroes fought to free Filipinos from oppressors.
He said Filipinos should help find ways for a common ground to help the country move forward due to the divisiveness caused by the latest political developments.
He lamented that the country has not been able to develop at a pace and level like other countries with a much shorter history than the Philippines.
He said Dr. Jose Rizal wrote the poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” more than 100 years ago and yet the country remains the same as described by the national hero in his writing as a “paradise lost.”
“Bakit nga ba mahigit isang daan taon lumipas mula nang isulat niya, tila totoo pa rin ‘yan sa ating bansa? Paraisong pinabayaan pa rin ang ating bansa. Mayaman ang Pilipinas, masipag ang mga tao bakit, pero bakit hanggang ngayon laganap pa rin ang kahirapan sa ating bansa? (More than 100 years have passed after Dr. Jose Rizal wrote the poem, but it seems that we are still in that state? Our country is still a paradise neglected. The Philippines is rich [in natural resources], its people are industrious but why is poverty widespread?),” Escudero said in his speech at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
Escudero said the root cause of poverty is divisiveness since the people are not focused on finding a common ground with their countrymen.
He said the “common theme in every generation” that has passed has been “conflict,” which he said led the country to fail to attain its goal of attaining sustainable progress and development that can be felt by every Filipino.
Escudero said it is time to set aside political differences and try to find a common ground on which to work together toward achieving what is good for the country.
“Ang solusyon at ang hudyat para tuluyan na talagang paraiso ang Pilipinas at hindi pinabayaang paraiso, ay kung ang bawat Pilipino, bata man o matanda, mayaman o mahirap, nakapag-aral o hindi, may hitsura o wala, ano man ang kasarian, ay magkakaisa, magtulong-tulong (The solution for the Philippines to become truly a paradise, and not a neglected one, is if every Filipino — the young and the old, rich or poorer, learned or not, whatever the gender may be — will unite and help one another),” he added.
PNP chief Nicolas Torre III said close to 11,000 cops from various units and support forces were deployed in key areas of Metro Manila to ensure the peaceful celebration of Independence Day.
He said the deployment is a coordinated effort from the five Metro Manila police districts and the National Capital Region Police Office regional headquarters.
“The PNP is fully committed to ensuring a safe, peaceful, and meaningful celebration of our 127th Independence Day. …Together let us honor our nation’s history and freedom with unity and discipline,” Torre said.
VIN D’HONNEUR
The President said the Filipino people’s “indomitable spirit and resilience” kept the “torch of hard-won freedom lit and ablaze” in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the challenges faced by the nation.
“Our country has since gone a long way from a fledgling republic to an active and responsible member of the community of nations. Our growth as a country has allowed us to play significant roles in the global discourse of climate change, human rights, migration, regional stability and freedom in the seas, and most other issues. More than that, we have also expanded our diplomacy to include serving as consensus builders between and amongst nations on issues of international significance,” Marcos said during the Vin d’honneur at the Malacanan Palace.
The Vin d’honneur is an official reception hosted by the President, traditionally held on New Year’s Day and Philippine Independence Day.
Marcos recalled that his marching orders for the Department of Foreign Affairs upon sitting as President three years back were to inform the global community that the “Philippines is open for business” and that it seeks mutually beneficial cooperation with countries that share the same values and aspirations.
“These marching orders are similar to the gargantuan task a revolutionary government had to accomplish when the Philippines declared independence on this day in 1898, when our envoys had to secure international recognition of our nascent republic,” he added.
He said that 127 years ago, the country’s diplomats were tasked to get the support of the international community for the Philippines’ national development agenda and “global recognition of our role as a reliable partner, a trusted peacemaker, and an innovative partner.”
He said such tasks were achieved.
“We have positioned ourselves on the world stage so we can participate in international dialogue, safeguard our national interests, and contribute to the common good. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, since taking the mantle of the presidency three years ago, I have made several pronouncements about charting an independent foreign policy as a constitutional mandate. Our independent foreign policy is informed by our development goals and reflects our national priorities,” he said.
As a result, Marcos said the country has forged alliances that are based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared goals.
Marcos also said that the Philippine economy grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of the year, which is among the fastest in the ASEAN region, “despite rising global volatilities.”
He said growth was most felt in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, and services sectors.
“We are confident that we will achieve the 6 percent GDP (gross domestic product) growth target in the coming quarters, driven by a steady fiscal consolidation, easing inflation, and progress in trade negotiations with key partners, amongst other initiatives. The forecast is supported by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) World Economic Outlook in April of 2025, which similarly painted a rosy projection for the Philippines to be the fastest-growing economy among the ASEAN five countries in 2025,” he said.
“Truly, the Philippines has become an economic standout in the region owing to our demographic dividend that is young, future-ready, tech-savvy, fast-expanding digital economy, and business-friendly reforms,” he added.
To sustain the country’s economic growth, Marcos said Congress has crafted “key legislative and policy reforms” aimed at improving the investment climate in both local and foreign investments, including RA 12214 of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotions Act, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises, and CREATE MORE Act.
SARA’S CALL
Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos not to surrender their freedom to “traitors” as the country celebrated its 127th Independence Day.
“Hindi tayo lumaya para muling mawalan ng karapatan at maging alipin ng iilan. Ipinagmalaki natin sa mundo ang kalayaan ng mga Pilipino. Huwag nating isuko ang kalayaang ito sa mga taksil at walang malasakit sa ating mamamayan at sa ating bayan (We weren’t liberated just to lose our rights and become slaves of a few. We, Filipinos, are proud of our freedom. Let’s give up this freedom to traitors and those who do not care for our people and country),” said the Vice President, who is in Kuala Lumpur where she met with the Filipino community while on a personal trip with her family.
The Vice President, who has been pilloried on social media for keeping silent on China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), urged the people to “defend our freedom and future from conquerors.”
Like her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained in The Hague in the Netherlands, where he is facing trial for “crimes against humanity,” she has also been criticized for his alleged subservience to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Vice President was joined by Sen. Robin Padilla, PDP-Laban President; defeated PDP-Laban senatorial candidate lawyer-singer Jimmy Bondoc and Senator Imee Marcos during a celebration with OFWs.
The younger Duterte reminded Filipinos that their freedom is the fruit of the sacrifices of heroes who fought and died for the country.
“Paglapastangan sa alaala ng ating mga bayani ang pagyakap sa kultura ng pagkaalipin. Paglapastangan sa diwa ng kalayaan ang pagsasawalang bahala sa paghihirap ng maraming pamilyang Pilipino at ang paglabag sa mga karapatan at sa batas (Embracing the culture of slavery is an insult to the memory of our heroes. Ignoring the suffering of many Filipino families and violating our rights and the law is disrespect to our freedom),” she said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said Independence Day “is not only a remembrance of our past, it is a call to strengthen our present and secure our future.”
“It reminds us that freedom must be protected, nurtured, and used to uplift the lives of every Filipino,” he said. “In support of the Bagong Pilipinas vision, we pursue reforms grounded in transparency, accountability, and service. We believe that true independence means giving our people not only the liberty to dream, but also the tools to achieve those dreams.”
GESMUNDO’S TAKE
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo called on Filipinos to honor the country’s commemoration of its 127th Independence Day through principled actions by reaffirming ideals that gave birth to the country’s freedom and by fighting corruption, apathy and abuse.
Gesmundo made the remarks in his speech at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, one of the many activities the country held to commemorate Independence Day.
“Muli nating pagtibayin ang panata na siyang nagluwal sa ating kasarinlan. Ituro natin sa ating mga anak hindi lamang ang pangalan ng ating mga bayani, ngunit ang mga prinsipyo na isinapuso nila, ang pagmamahal sa bayan, ang pagsasakripisyo ng sariling interes para sa ikakabuti ng nakakarami, at ang walang humpay na pagpupursigi upang patuloy na mapabuti ang bansa (Let us renew our vow that gave birth to our independence. Teach our children not only the names of our heroes, but the principles that they embodied, such as love of country, how to sacrifice self interest in the pursuit of the country, and never-ending effort to make good for the country),” Gesmundo said.
He emphasized that to give meaning to independence, every Filipino must take an active role in building a just and humane society.
He further said that while most Filipinos are no longer called to risk their lives in war, they are nonetheless called to show courage and unwavering dedication in helping the vulnerable and addressing the nation’s enemies today: corruption, apathy, and abuse from within.
“Ang ating kalaban ay hindi lamang ang mga dayuhang nagnanais na sakupin tayo, ngunit ang korapsyon, kawalang-pakialam at pang-aabuso na nakikita natin sa sarili nating bakuran (Our enemies today are not only foreigners wishing to subjugate us, but corruption, apathy and abuse that we see in our own backyard),” he said.
The Chief Justice said the change that many Filipinos want cannot be seen only in fighting wars and defending the country, but also in our everyday lives, in our courts, in our schools, and our society as long as we endeavor for change and reform and work hard for it.
“Ang kalayaan ay hindi isang gantimpalang ibinigay dahil natapos na ang ating pagsusumikap – ito ay isang layuning araw-araw nating pinapagtibay. Hindi natatapos ang kuwento ng ating kalayaan sa kasaysayan – ito ay nagpapatuloy sa kasalukuyan, at hinuhubog natin para sa kinabuksan,” he added.
In his speech, Gesmundo also noted how the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine became the symbolic starting point of the nation’s journey to freedom, where the Philippine flag was first raised and the patriotic march that would become the National Anthem was first played.
The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine is a historic site where Philippine independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898.
It was also the home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president.
Joining Gesmundo in the commemoration were Supreme Court Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting and Deputy Chief Justice Staff Head Atty. Antonio Ceasar Manila.
Also present were Cavite Governor Bryana Athena Tolentino, Cavite 1st District Rep. Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III, Kawit Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Commissioner Maria Eloisa de Castro, and other local officials.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also called on Filipinos to honor the country’s heritage while looking and working towards the future.
“While we are now enjoying the fruits of this hard-fought freedom, we still aim to reach our full potential as a nation. We seek to achieve a Bagong Pilipinas where everyone has fair representation, has equitable access to opportunities for progress and has the chance to actively participate in nation-building,” Manalo said in his Independence Day statement.
He said the DFA will continue its commitment to implement an independent foreign policy that promotes and protects Philippine interests.
‘IRON-CLAD’ COMMITMENT
The United States reaffirmed its “iron-clad” commitment to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
In an Independence Day message, Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid tribute to the friendship and alliance between the two countries, adding it is rooted in history, more so as this year marked the 80th year of the “shared sacrifice that led to victory in World War II.”
Rubio said Washington will continue working with Manila to uphold international law in the South China Sea and further enhance bilateral ties.
“As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in its iron-clad commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Rubio said.
“We are committed to working alongside the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies to achieve our shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity,” he added.
Washington’s top diplomat said bilateral ties are further strengthened through common interests, shared democratic values and people-to-people ties.
“Recent strides in security collaboration and energy, among many other areas, reflect the mutual priority we place on enhancing our relationship,” he added.
The Canadian Embassy in Manila also paid tribute to the country’s Independence Day celebration.
“Today, we join our Filipino friends in the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Our people-to-people ties are the cornerstone of our bilateral relationship- a connection rooted in kinship and familial ties that has flourished over decades,” the embassy said.
The embassy of New Zealand, in its message, expresses hopes for deeper ties and stronger cooperation with Manila.
“May our partnership continue to deepen and uphold the values of peace and democracy that this day powerfully symbolizes,” it said.
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said Tokyo will continue working with Manila in “upholding peace, freedom and democracy.
“May the Philippine flag continue to wave proudly as we commemorate the country’s 127th Independence Day,” Kazuya said.
French Ambassador to Manila Marie Fontanel also greeted Filipinos, saying: “Happy 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day! In his message today, President Bongbong Marcos said freedom is a ‘precious gift.’ This sounds so true, and should be remembered in so many places all over the world.”
Australian Ambassador to Manila Hae Kyong Yu also congratulated Manila on its Independence Day commemoration.
“127 years of Philippine sovereignty! Honored to join President @bongbongmarcos this morning for the #ArawNgKalayaan flag-raising ceremony & festive parade showcasing Filipino culture across the regions,” she said in a post on her social media account.
“Happy Independence Day to all our Filipino friends in the Philippines & Australia!” she added.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also extended his country’s congratulations to the Philippines. “Congratulations to the Philippine people on their Independence Day! As Chinese, we too learned the value of independence the hard way—emerging from World War II with hard-won lessons and sacrifices,” the Chinese envoy said in a statement.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora reminded everyone not to forget or take for granted the freedom we have.
“Walang kalayaan kung walang pinaglabanan. Ito madalas nating sinisigaw,” Zamora said.
He and his sister, Rep. Bel Zamora, led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City. The Shrine commemorates the Battle of San Juan del Monte, a pivotal event in the Philippine Revolution.
The Pasig government announced the start of the Kalayaan Trade and Fair job fair at the Ayala Malls in celebration of the 127th Araw ng Kalayaan. – With Wendell Vigilia, Ashzel Hachero and Christian Oineza
