Senators urge Filipinos to defend PH sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators on Wednesday, the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence, pondered on the essence of freedom and how Filipinos should continue to defend it amid continued foreign aggression in Philippine territory.

Senate President Francis Escudero urged Filipinos to “take to heart” the spirit of freedom and use it to guide the path of change.

“Ang tema ngayong taon, Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan ay nagpapaalala sa ating lahat ng kahalagahan ng ating nakaraan at ang papel nito sa paghubog ng ating kinabukasan,” said Escudero in a statement.

(This year’s theme is Freedom. Future. History. It reminds us of the importance of our past and its role in shaping our future.)

“Ang kalayaan na ating tinatamasa ngayon ay bunga ng mga sakripisyo at katapangan ng ating mga bayani. Nawa’y magsilbi itong inspirasyon sa atin upang patuloy na magsumikap para sa isang mas magandang bukas,” he added.

(The freedom we are enjoying right now is a result of the sacrifices and bravery of our heroes. May this serve as an inspiration for us to strive harder for a better future.)

Defend what is ours

On the other hand, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the country’s rich history in defending its freedom.

This, according to him, is the very same reason why Filipinos should show the world that they will defend their rights and fight for what is theirs.

“Sa paggunita ng ika-126 na anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kalayaan, ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon sa pagtatanggol ng ating karapatan, mga likas na yaman, at teritoryong ating nasasakupan,” said Estrada in a separate statement.

(As we commemorate the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence, let us show the world our unity and determination to defend our rights, natural resources, and territory.

He also noted that caring for each other is the “strongest weapon” of Filipinos against foreign forces that want to undermine Philippine sovereignty.

But Estrada, who also chairs the Senate panel on national defense, said the true spirit of freedom is within the country’s ability to defend itself whenever it is “challenged.”

Fight for PH amid China’s bullying

Meanwhile, former Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva called on Filipinos to protect Philippine freedom.

“Sa gitna po ng pambu-bully at sapilitang pagkamkam ng China sa ating mga teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea, inaasahan po natin na katulad ng ipinamalas noon ng ating mga ninuno, tayo rin po ay maninindigan ngayon para sa ating kasarinlan,” said Villanueva.

(In light of China’s bullying and seizing of our territories in the West Philippine Sea, I hope that we, too, will stand for our independence just like what our ancestors did before.)

Villanueva also noted the need to fight for maritime entitlement and against job loss, hunger, poverty, and hopelessness.

No one else, but us Filipinos

Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Filipinos must stand together to protect Philippine interests while Filipinos’ freedom is being tested.

In her statement, Hontiveros lamented China’s continued incursion in the West Philippine Sea and its persisting acts to harass Filipino fishermen, the Coast Guard, and the Navy.

“Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan sa ating teritoryo at labanan ang lahat ng pagtatangkang agawin ito mula sa atin at lahat ng likas yaman na nandito,” she said.

(Let us continue to fight for our territorial rights and fight attempts to seize these and their natural resources.)

Hontiveros, who also heads the Senate panel on women currently investigating the involvement of local politics in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), underscored the need to ban these illegal firms finally.

“Malaking banta rin sa ating pambansang seguridad ang presensya ng mga Pogo, na naging pugad pa ng pang-aabuso at krimen ng mga dayuhan. Patuloy nating labanan ang mga pwersang nagnanais na hadlangan ang ating pag-unlad. Walang ibang titindig sa mga isyu na ito kundi tayong mga Pilipino,” she said.

(The presence of Pogos, which have become a hub of abuse and crime by foreigners, is also a huge threat to our national security. We will continue to fight the forces that want to hinder our progress. No one else will stand against such issues but us Filipinos.)

Our time

Sen. Grace Poe, for her part, said Philippine Independence has never been tested before the way it is being challenged now.

“[This,] with aggressions in our seas; illegal Pogos creeping into the economy and perhaps, politics; and the nonchalance of some to wrongdoings, injustice and indigence,” she said.

While there are laws and government systems in place, Poe said there is a need for the Philippine government to have courage and resolve to do things correctly.

“Let us never forget: The independence we enjoy now must always be protected and defended. There can be no true progress if we yield our rights and dignity as a nation,” she said.

“Ginawa na ng ating mga bayani ang kanilang tungkulin para sa mga Pilipino. Panahon natin ngayon na ipagpatuloy ang pagtatanggol sa bansa para manatiling malaya,” she emphasized.

(Our heroes did their duty for all Filipinos. This is our time to continue fighting for our country to remain free.)

‘We will never forget’

Meanwhile, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. graced the 126th Philippine Independence celebration in Cavite — the very first place where the country’s independence was proclaimed.

“Daang taon man ang lumipas, hindi malilimutan ang dakilang sakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno. At magpakailanman, ito ay tatanawin nating utang na loob sa kanilang nag alis ng tanikalang bumihag sa ating inang bayan, sa kanilang nag-alay ng dugo at buhay upang makamtan ang mga tinatamasa nating kasaganaan, kapayapaan at kalayaan,” said Revilla in his speech at the event.

(Even if a hundred years have passed, the great sacrifice of our ancestors will not be forgotten. And forever, we will see this as a debt of gratitude to those who removed the chains that held our motherland captive, to those who sacrificed their blood and lives to obtain the prosperity, peace and freedom we enjoy.)

Similar to the calls of his fellow lawmakers, Revilla likewise emphasized the need for the Philippines to defend its sovereignty.

“Ito ang kahalagahan ng araw na ito, na ipaalala sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa ating mga kabataan, ang dugong dumaloy upang makamit ang mga mithiin at pangarap ng bayang hindi na muli magpapabihag. Lalo na at sariwa pa sa ating gunita ang tila muling panunubok sa ating soberenya,” he said.

(This is the importance of this day, to remind Filipinos, especially our youth, of the blood that was shed to achieve the ideals and dreams of the people who will not be held captive again. Especially now that there seems to be another test of our sovereignty.)

Philippine Independence was declared on June 12, 1898 when revolutionary government leader General Emilio Aguinaldo declared freedom from the Spanish government which ruled the country for over 300 years.