President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday morning led the wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Rizal Park, Manila, as the country's marked the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The ceremony marked the President’s first official Independence Day event of the day and carried the theme, “Ang Kalayaang Pinapangarap” (The Freedom We Dream Of).
Joining Marcos at the event were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons — Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon Marcos, and Vinny Marcos.
Also present were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Cabinet officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Marcos was seen exchanging handshakes with Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian.
After the event, the President proceeded to the Quirino Grandstand, where he delivered his Independence Day message and called on Filipinos to continue loving, choosing, and defending the country.
“Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas. Ipalalim natin ang ating kamalayan, maging mapanuri sa katotohanan, gamitin natin sa tama ang ating kakayahan, hindi sa masama, lumaban nang patas sa araw-araw, at huwag pagsamantalahan ang pinagpaguran ng iba,” Marcos said.
The President urged Filipinos to place the nation’s welfare above personal interests.
“Piliin natin ang ikabubuti ng bayan kaysa sa interes ng iilan. Kung mananatili tayong tapat sa mga adhikaing ito, matitiyak nating magmamana ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng isang bansa na mas matatag, mas makatarungan at mas maunlad,” he added.
During his speech, Marcos also acknowledged the leadership of Gatchalian, referring to him as the Senate President Pro Tempore. Gatchalian, who was seated beside House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy, represented the Senate during the Independence Day celebration.
The Independence Day rites commemorated the country’s declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898, and highlighted the government’s call for unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among Filipinos.
