Leni warns against modern-day threats to Filipinos’ freedom

On Independence Day, Vice President Leni Robredo said that every Filipino may have renewed strength to relive the spirit of what the country’s heroes fought for.

Robredo, in her message for the 120th Independence Day, said the aspirations for and upholding the country “truly strengthen the freedom of every Filipino.”

“Nangangarap tayong lahat ng isang mapayapa at maunlad na bansa kung saan matiwasay at may dangal ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Walang ibang makapagpapatotoo ng pangarap na ito kung hindi ang nagkakaisang sambayanang Pilipino(We are all dreaming to have a peaceful and progressive country, where the lives of each Filipino are secured and have dignity. No one else can make this dream come true except for a united nation),” she said.

The Vice President said she trusts Filipinos have the “power to uplift the lives of their countrymen from poverty” as well as the “courage to stand up for their rights and capability to defend the country’s freedom.”

Despite the stormy weather, Robredo led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies during the 120th Independence Day celebration held at Rizal Park in Manila.

Robredo was drenched in rain when she marched and saluted the Philippine flag and Jose Rizal Monument to commemorate the country’s freedom.

The Philippines declared its independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898, led by Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite.

The Vice President warned about the modern-day threats to Filipinos’ freedom after 120 years they gained their independence.

She was referring to the rise of poverty, increasing prices of goods, loss of justice, disregard of human rights, and foreign power trying to take over the country’s territories.

But in spite of these, Robredo believed Filipinos won’t be cowed by any threat. (With a report from Dhel Nazario)