THE Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines marked its 80th anniversary on Monday by honoring generations of Filipinos whose shared aspirations helped shape national sovereignty and a democratic tradition.
Founded on Jan. 19, 1946, the party said its history spanned postwar rebuilding, the struggle for freedoms, and repeated tests of democratic institutions.
The 20,000-strong party, was last in power during the administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III from 2010 to 2016.
“Philippine democracy did not fall from the sky. It was built, and it can be broken,” LP acting president, Lorenzo Tañada III said.
“At a time when our democracy is fragile, when more people are losing trust in public institutions, and when insecurity and poverty are worsening in many forms, we choose to persist,” he added.
The party linked its anniversary message to current challenges, including rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, and the flood control corruption scandal.
“In these twin issues, the Liberal Party of the Philippines, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary today, continues to fight for sovereignty and good governance,” said Senator Francis Pangilinan, also chairman of the Liberal Party.
An anniversary convention hosted by the party is set to bring together its leaders and stalwarts to help nurture future leaders and reassert the party’s vision of an open, inclusive, and transformative society.
“We have no illusions about how difficult this moment is. But our history binds us to this fight. We persist because democracy is not self-sustaining; it demands courage, participation, and sacrifice,” Tañada said. With Teddy Brul
The late Presidents Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino, along with former Senate President José Avelino Sr., founded the Liberal Party from the breakaway liberal wing of the old Nacionalista Party.
It remained the second-oldest active political party in the country next to the Nacionalista, and the oldest continually active party.
The Liberals served as the governing party of four Philippine presidents: Roxas, Quirino, Diosdado Macapagal, and Aquino III.
