Filipino soldiers raise the national flag during a ceremony to mark the Independence Day in front of a post office in Manila yesterday.
MANILA: With the country embroiled in territorial disputes with neighbours, President Aquino called on Filipinos yesterday to unite and defend the nation’s freedom and sovereignty, saying “we have no other desire than to take care of what is rightfully ours.”
Aquino made the call during a celebration marking the 115th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, at the Liwasang Bonifacio here.
Independence Day activities were also held in Rizal Park in Manila and at the Barasoain Church in Bulacan.
Vice President Jejomar Binay led the Rizal Park ceremonies, while Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr presided over events at Barasoain Church.
“Aggression does not run in our veins, but neither will we back down from any challenge. And while we will protect our rights and continue to build consensus with all parties to promote calm and understanding, we must also increase the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” Aquino said.
He did not specify potential threats to the country’s sovereignty but he was likely referring to China, whose forces have established presence in Philippine waters.
“Together with all these, we must also think of the lives of the millions of Filipinos that may be affected by the decisions we make as leaders,” Aquino said.
“We have never trampled upon the rights of others. We have not claimed or demanded territory that clearly belongs to another. We have neither condescended upon nor oppressed others,” he said.
“Harming others or sowing discord with other countries is not in our history. Similarly, it has never been the policy of the Philippines to take advantage of other countries. If there has been disagreement, the whole world has witnessed our willingness to sit down and conduct dialogues in a peaceful manner,” the President said.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
