In his remarks to commemorate the Philippines’ 126th Independence Day, Speaker Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos that freedom carries with it the responsibility to fight for a just society.
Romualdez delivered the statement at the Independence Day rites held on Wednesday at the historic Barasoain Church, in Malolos, Bulacan, where the first democratic republic in Asia was born.
Other members of the House of Representatives and local officials led by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando attended the simple celebration.
“On this day, we not only commemorate their heroism, but also accept the challenge they left,” the Speaker said in Tagalog, referring to the Filipino revolutionaries, who sacrificed for the country.
“Freedom is not only a privilege but a responsibility. We, as Filipinos in the modern era, have a duty to continue the fight for freedom—not only against the invaders, but against poverty, corruption, and injustice,” Romualdez added.
He said Independence Day is also an occasion for the nation to unite towards building a prosperous and a just society.
