Noy to lead Independence Day rites in Naga City

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead the flag-raising rites in Naga City during the Independence Day celebration on June 12 to highlight the significance of different provinces in the country’s freedom and democracy, Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB that Aquino has led the Independence Day celebration in various historic places since he assumed office in 2010.

These include Kawit, Cavite in 2011; Malolos, Bulacan in 2012 and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila last year.

According to the Naga City government, 15 martyrs of the 1896 Philippine revolution came from Bicol, 11 of whom were executed in 1897 at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) on Jan. 4, 1897.

After the flag-raising event in Naga City at 7 a.m., the President will fly to Manila to lead the vin d’ honneur in Malacañang at 11 a.m.

With regards to the planned protest actions against corruption and the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations, Valte reiterated the government’s call on those who would participate to keep the rallies peaceful and orderly.

“We do not feel danger in what they will do. Of course, it’s their right to air their grievances,” Valte said in Filipino.