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126th Independence Day: FMJ leads Rizal Park rites
By Nidz Godino
“Alongside patriotism, unity is our strength as we remain committed to building One Strong Philippines for generations to come,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead today commemoration of 126th anniversary of Philippine independence, as country grapples with challenges from its longstanding maritime row with China over West Philippine Sea.
Marcos will lead flag-raising ceremony and wreath laying in Rizal Park in Manila.
Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying rites will also be held in Kawit, Cavite; Malolos City, Bulacan; San Juan City; Manila North Cemetery; Caloocan City and Angeles City, Pampanga, according to National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Vin d’honneur or formal reception for diplomats is traditionally held during Independence Day.
Parada ng Kalayaan 2024 will be held in the afternoon, featuring 22 floats depicting key historical events.
Filipino girl group BINI will perform after parade.
FMJ invited Filipinos to celebrate anniversary of Philippine independence, giving assurance that government is continuously defending country’s freedom and sovereignty.
At recent camp visits, Marcos highlighted need to strengthen military’s external defense capabilities but clarified Philippines is not waging war against anyone.
China’s aggression in West Philippine Sea has led to harassment of Filipino fishermen and water cannon attacks against coast guard vessels.
West Philippine Sea is portion of South China Sea within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
In 2016, Hague-based arbitral tribunal voided China’s wide-reaching claim in South China Sea, but Chinese government refuses to recognize ruling.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. assured Filipinos that government and military will protect the country, though he did not specifically mention China and West Philippine Sea.
Filipinos should continue honoring and supporting veterans and soldiers, he said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also gave assurance that military is dedicated to protecting state.
Progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) called on Filipinos to fight for genuine freedom against “US imperialist domination.”
Following nominal independence granted on July 4, 1946, Bayan said Philippines remained US neocolony, hosting two of the largest overseas US military bases.
Bayan highlighted expansion of US military presence through Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, includes nine forward military bases and prepositioning of military equipment.
These actions are meant to provoke China and could lead to intensified military conflict, similar to US involvement in Ukraine and other regions, Bayan argued.
Bayan condemned China’s aggressions and opposed US for using conflict to justify greater military intervention.
Inflation, joblessness, poverty, corruption and crime are modern-day enemies country must strive to overcome, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.
“Let us fight inflation and work towards economic stability for all…let us fight for salary hikes that reflect true cost of living and give dignity to each hardworking Filipino…let us put an end to corruption…let us address joblessness and poverty as nation…let us work together to make our country safer for its people,” Pimentel said.
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