MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta paid tribute to frontliners who are keeping the public safe against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the country celebrates its 122nd Independence Day.
“Habang ginugunita natin ang kagitingan ng ating mga bayani na nag-alay ng kanilang karunungan at nagbuwis ng mga buhay upang ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan at kasarinlan, nararapat din na bigyan natin ng pagpupugay ang ating mga bagong bayani – ang ating mga frontliners na buong tapang na hinaharap ang banta ng sakit upang makapagsilbi sa kapwa,” Peralta said.
[As we celebrate the bravery of our heroes who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom, we should also honor our modern-day heroes–our frontliners who faced the threat of disease to serve the public.]
Peralta said the Filipinos should continue the “bayanihan” or the spirit of cooperation and helping each other.
“Tayo ay magkaisa upang mapagtagumpayan ang laban sa gitna ng mga hamon tungo sa isang malayang pamumuhay at malusog na sambayanan,” Peralta said.
[We should all work together to win this fight and live freely and healthy.]
On the part of the judiciary, Peralta said they will continue with its reforms to expedite the dispensation of justice. The Chief Justice mentioned reforms such as videoconferencing, e-courts, e-filing of cases, petitions for bails, and more.
“Patuloy tayong manalangin sa Poong Maykapal para sa kaligtasan ng lahat at sa paghilom ng Pilipinas at ng buong mundo,” the Chief Justice added.
[We should continue praying for everyone’s safety as well as for healing of the country and the world.]