Marcos Jr. : Preserve freedom, defend Philippines

MANILA, Philippines —  Filipinos should preserve their rights and freedoms and establish a country worthy of the sacrifices made by heroes, President Marcos said.

In his message for the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence, Marcos said freedom is a “precious gift” that should encourage people to be diligent and devoted in their respective fields “for the glory of our great nation.”

“Let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,” he added.

Emilio Aguinaldo, acknowledged as the first president of the Philippines, proclaimed independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

Marcos will lead a flag-raising ceremony in Rizal Park in Manila, accompanied by National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

The Parada ng Kalayaan 2025 will highlight historic events, along with festival performances representing different regions.

Simultaneous ceremonies will be held at the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite; Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion in Manila North Cemetery; Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City and Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga.

In Malolos, Bulacan, Senate President Francis Escudero will lead the Independence Day commemoration at Barasoain Church.

Gov. Daniel Fernando and other local officials will join Escudero.

Gibo: Unite, protect sovereignty

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. is calling on Filipinos to unite and sustain efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and peace.

Peace, he said, is not a “free dividend, especially in a world that is both increasingly volatile and interconnected.”

“Challenges to our sovereignty will always be present; no archipelagic or even continental country is spared,” he added.

China is illegally asserting its claims over the West Philippine Sea despite the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that rejected its so-called nine-dash line.

Clashes between Philippine and Chinese coast guards have erupted in recent months.  – Mayen Jaymalin, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Michael Punongbayan