Pangilinan says Filipinos’ freedom under threat

MANILA, Philippines – One hundred twenty one years after the country gained its independence, Senator Francis Pangilinan believes that the freedom of Filipinos is still under threat.

In a statement on Independence Day, Pangilinan asserted that the June 12 occasion “sums up what our patriotic forefathers and foremothers gave us through their struggles — hope and freedom.”

“However, we continue to be faced with external and internal challenges that erode our people’s hopes and threaten their freedom. For how can we be independent when our people are hungry for food, jobs, and justice?” he said.

Pangilinan said he is hopeful that the observance of Independence Day would serve as a reminder that achieving freedom is never easy.

“Each day, we are always called upon to take action and keep guard to fight for and protect our territory, decent employment, equitable opportunities, and right to truth,” said Pangilinan.

He said it is upon the people to nurture the struggles of Filipino heroes who ushered the country to independence.

“We should plant, plant, plant — food, trees, and seeds of love of country for the survival of our people, our future, and our planet,” Pangilinan said. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

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