Marcos on Independence Day: Put nation first, not self-interest
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Independence Day encouraged the nation’s leaders to always prioritize the welfare of the nation and not their own interests.
In his speech during the celebration of the 128th Independence Day at the Quirino Grandstand, Marcos noted that a true leader is one who puts others before himself.
“True leaders are those who sacrifice their own interests for the good of the people,” he said in Filipino.
“Let us choose the good of the nation over the interests of a few,” he added.
Despite global challenges, poverty and corruption, among other issues that the country faces, Marcos said he still believes in the goodness of Filipinos and urged them not to stop loving the country.
“Let’s use our abilities for good, not for evil. Fight fairly every day. Don’t exploit the hard work of others,” Marcos said.
The president also led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta.
He was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Joseph Simon, William Vincent, and House of Representatives Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos.
Marcos’ message comes amid the ongoing Senate impasse, which some fear could trigger a constitutional crisis.
On May 11, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa reappeared after six months out of public view to cast his vote for Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.
Thirteen senators voted to elect Cayetano, who is a known Duterte ally.
These events unfolded as the Senate prepared for the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, while dela Rosa faced an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
Just hours after a shooting incident in the Senate, dela Rosa once again disappeared from public view.
Cayetano’s tenure was short-lived after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3.
Cayetano, however, has insisted that he remains the Senate leader, a claim Malacañang has dismissed. /gsg
