On Independence Day eve, Aquino vows ‘new’ freedom

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

On the eve of Independence Day, President Benigno Aquino III vowed his administration would continue to fight for what he called the “new freedom.’’

“Independence Day is drawing near. We will not stop until we achieve the new freedom—freedom from hunger and poverty,’’ said the President in a statement he read on his arrival from a weeklong trip to the United Kingdom and the United States.

The country could attain this freedom, Mr. Aquino said, “with the help of the people and of our friends across the world.’’

The President will lead the Independence Day rites at the Barasoain Church in Bulacan at 8 a.m. Tuesday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte had earlier said.

He will lead in the raising of the flag and lay a wreath at the historic church where the First Philippine Republic was born. He will also deliver a speech, Valte said.

From Bulacan, the President will return to Malacañang where he will receive members of the diplomatic corps for the traditional vin d’honneur at 9 a.m.

This year’s Independence Day celebration, the 114th, will have for its theme Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan (Sacrifices of the Nation on the Straight Path), Valte said.

“So expect the President’s address to run along that line,’’ she added.