On Independence Day, Duterte calls for unity for ‘glory, triumph of Filipino nation’

President Rodrigo Duterte graces the 124th Independence Day ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila City on Sunday, June 12. Screengrab from Office of the Presidential Spokesperson Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos on Sunday, Independence Day, to unite “for the glory and triumph” of the country.

“In the spirit of patriotism and love of the motherland exemplified by those who came before us, let us come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation,” he said in a message.

READ: Duterte asks Filipinos to ‘take heart all learnings from the past’ ahead of 124th Independence Day

The president also noted that the differences among Filipinos can engage people in a “healthy yet meaningful” discourse and push the nation in the right direction.

“Let our constant discernment in the continuing process of nation-building, therefore, make us realize that our liberties are there to make us wiser and not to prove that we are always right or better,” he said.

“Even in exercising our most cherished freedoms, our differences can move us to engage in healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well as push our country towards the right direction,” the chief executive added.

Duterte pointed out that the country’s path to true freedom has been “long and tedious” but “our forefathers have walked the mile and made us pioneers of republican democracy in Asia.”

“The shared narrative that we have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching us what values to hold and which lessons to remember. While we draw strength from learning our past, we must continue believing that there is still wisdom to be gained from our present choices, decisions, and actions so we can shape a better future for our people,” he went on.

The President graced the 124th Independence Day anniversary at the Rizal Park in Manila City on Sunday morning.

The event commenced with a flag-raising ceremony with the president himself raising the flag.

Duterte also offered a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Duterte offers a wreath at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. | @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/BYgmtYxpYq

— Daniza Fernandez (@dsfernandez) June 12, 2022

He also witnessed a flyby of Philippine Air Force aircraft which emitted smoke with the colors of the flag.

Duterte witnesses a flyby of Philippine Air Force aircrafts, emitting smoke with colors of the flag, over the Rizal Park. | @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/hpiP0cYypn

— Daniza Fernandez (@dsfernandez) June 12, 2022

Flag-raising and wreath-laying rites were simultaneously held in various landmarks across the country.