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Renalyn Ramirez - Philstar.com
June 12, 2026 | 12:55pm
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., led the celebration of the 128th Independence Day at Luneta Park, June 12, 2026.
Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to deepen their awareness and be critical of the truth as he led the commemoration of the 128th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at Luneta Park on Friday, June 12.
"Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas. Ipalalim natin ang ating kamalayan, maging mapanuri sa katotohanan," Marcos said in his message.
(Let us not grow weary of loving, choosing and fighting for the Philippines. Let us deepen our awareness and be discerning of the truth.)
Marcos also recalled the sacrifices of Filipino heroes who resisted colonial rule and helped pave the way for the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite, in 1898.
Filipinos today should draw from the lessons of the past to uphold freedom and strengthen the country's sovereignty, he said.
"Sapagkat hindi sapat na lingunin lamang natin ang nakaraan, kailangan magsilbing pundasyon ang mga aral nito sa ating kasalukuyan at sa ating kinabukasan," Marcos said.
(Because it is not enough to look back at the past. Its lessons must serve as the foundation of our present and our future.)
The president also urged leaders to put the country's welfare above personal interest, saying this would honor the revolutionaries who fought for Philippine freedom.
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, in a separate Independence Day message, said "freedom must go hand in hand with progress."
"Hindi sapat na tayo ay malaya kung marami pa rin ang hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na maging bahagi ng pag-unlad," Dy said.
(It is not enough for us to be free if many are still not given the chance to be part of progress.)
The Independence Day messages came as ordinary Filipinos continue to face economic strain from rising fuel prices and inflation, while political disputes continue to dominate the national landscape.
Issues. Among the issues facing the country are the Senate leadership dispute, the flood control controversy and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of corruption.
A policy brief from the United Nations Development Programme warned that the crisis could raise the country’s poverty rate from 16.9% to 17%, leaving more than 20 million Filipinos in poverty.
