Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (House of Representatives facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — As the nation celebrates the 126th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos of their duty to continue the country’s fight against poverty, corruption, and injustices.
In his speech during Independence Day rites at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, Romualdez called on the public to carry on the responsibilities left by our national heroes who helped the country gain its independence.
“Sa araw na ito, hindi lamang natin ginugunita ang kanilang kabayanihan, kundi tinatanggap din natin ang hamon na kanilang iniwan,” the lawmaker said.
(On this day, we remember their heroism and accept the challenge they left behind.)
“Ang kalayaan ay hindi lamang isang pribilehiyo kundi isang responsibilidad. Tayo, bilang mga Pilipino sa makabagong panahon, ay may tungkuling ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa kalayaan—hindi lamang laban sa mga mananakop, kundi laban sa kahirapan, katiwalian, at kawalan ng katarungan,” he added.
(Freedom is not only a privilege but a responsibility. We, as Filipinos in the modern age, must continue the fight for freedom—not only against the colonizers, but against poverty, corruption, and injustice.)
Romualdez also reminisced how the Barasoain Church witnessed the founding of the 1898 Congress, where the first session was held, and the Malolos Constitution was written.