MANILA: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday enjoined Filipinos to cherish the nation’s birth and remember the sacrifices of their ancestors as the country commemorates its 126th Independence Day.
“As we celebrate this day, let us also commit ourselves to preserving the spirit of freedom and independence for future generations,” Pimentel said in a statement.
He also emphasized the need for collective action to overcome the ‘modern-day enemies’ that Filipinos face today: inflation, unemployment, poverty, corruption, and crime.
‘May the nation and its people be freed from these burdens. Together, let us build a nation that embodies the true essence of freedom – one that is prosperous, just, and inclusive for all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla emphasized the importance of personal freedom, and highlighted the ongoing struggle against poverty in the Philippines.
He stressed the need to prioritize freedom from poverty over external enemies and criticized the country’
s reliance on imported food.
“Kaya siguro ipagdiwang natin ang Araw ng Kalayaan dahil nanalo ang bayani natin noong araw laban sa mga dayuhan. Pero sa usapin ng kahirapan, di pa tayo malaya (We may be celebrating Independence Day because our heroes won against foreigners. But in terms of poverty, we are not yet free),” he said in a separate statement.
He said true freedom entails having access to basic necessities like food and shelter.
Source: Philippines News Agency
