Drilon leads Independence Day rites at Aguinaldo shrine

Senator Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Franklin Drilon, who is widely believed to be the next Senate president, led the Independence Day flag-raising rites at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawait, Cavite on Wednesday.

Drilon, the campaign manager of the administration slate in the last mid-term elections, called on Filipinos to have faith both in government and in themselves as the country continues to pursue prosperity and peace.

“We need to strengthen our faith in God, in our government and in ourselves. We must be united in order to pursue our dream of a progressive and a peaceful country,” Drilon said in his speech, a copy of which was released by his Senate office.

Drilon said the results of the elections were a reflection of Filipinos’ unwavering desire to achieve good governance.

“Our people have shown in the recently held elections that they are one with us in the pursuit of ‘daang matuwid’ (righteous path),” Drilon said. “They are tired of the kind of governance that is driven by personal interests and ambitions. They want genuine and meaningful reforms.”

Asked if Drilon’s leading of the Kawit rites was a sign of the Palace’s support for his bid for the Senate presidency, a Malacañang official said Drilon was recognized as one of the leaders of Congress.

“I don’t know why he was chosen to lead the ceremonies but certainly he’s a leader of Congress,” said Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Office.

Aside from the President, the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House often lead independence day ceremonies.