Senators hail Filipinos still ‘bravely fighting’ for freedom

OLD STORY OF STRUGGLE | A visitor drops by on April 9, 2023, at an area of Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City where veterans of World War II are buried, particularly those who took part in the Battle of Bataan being commemorated as Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Four senators marked Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) by hailing Filipinos who are still “bravely fighting” for the country’s freedom and sovereignty.

Leading the line was Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is a member of the Philippine Army Reserve Command.

“I want to pay tribute to the members of our Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and police, who are bravely fighting for our freedom and sovereignty from threats inside or outside the country,” Zubiri said in a statement.

“Let’s work together towards the peace and prosperity of the entire country,” he added.

Overseas Filipino workers

For his part, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva recognized the laborers and overseas Filipino workers who willingly served their families and the country.

“Let us keep alive in our hearts the struggles and sacrifices of Filipinos at the hands of foreigners during the Second World War for the sake of freedom that we are enjoying now,” Villanueva said in Filipino.

He told Filipinos that the Day of Valor should be a constant reminder that “unity” plays a vital role, especially in overcoming the troubles of the nation.

He said this would be applicable now amid China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Senators honor Bataan defenders, modern heroes on Day of Valo

Protecting WPS

Somehow similar to Villanueva’s remarks, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros called on the public to “unequivocally stand” with all persons who had been feeling the effects of China’s attacks.

She was referring to Filipino fishermen and members of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy.

“Their daily acts of courage, in the face of a giant threat, honor the lives of those before us who suffered and sacrificed in the name of our sovereignty,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“The everyday courage — of the Filipino fisherfolk venturing out to sea, of the Coast Guard patrolling our waters, of our Navy standing guard on an ailing yet resolute ship — stirs our hearts and strengthens our resolve to fight for what is ours, for what is right, for what is true,” she said.

The opposition senator noted that, at this time of heightened tensions, there should be “no room for ambiguity” — especially in standing up for the country.

Guarding peace and freedom

Meanwhile, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada paid homage to the sacrifices of what he called “guardians of peace and freedom” — war veterans and uniformed personnel.

While he did not categorically state which foreign nation he was referring to, Estrada said the essence of the Day of Valor was highlighted since there existed a “new challenge to defend” Philippine sovereignty against “oppressive foreigners.”

“Now, let us give more recognition and importance to the symbol of our freedom, the protectors of our peace, as well as the symbol of our bravery,” Estrada said in Filipino in a statement.

April 9 of every year marks Araw ng Kagitingan — a holiday in honor of the bravery of troops who fought the Japanese invaders, particularly those who made a last stand in Bataan and Corregidor.