By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar reminded Filipinos that they should use the freedom and rights they are enjoying to do what is right since many people risked their lives to attain independence.
In his program over state-run PTV-4, Andanar urged Filipinos to not let the hard-fought freedom go to waste by exercising their rights to promote just causes.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN
"Ang Pilipinas din ay lumaban, nagbuwis-buhay din upang makamtan ang tinatamasa nating kasarinlan. At dahil sa kalayaang ito, malaya ang mamamayan na magpasya kung ano ang gagawin sa kanilang buhay (The Philippines fought and Filipinos sacrificed themselves to achieve the independence we are experiencing today. Because of this freedom, we are able to decide what we want to do)," he said.
"Our vested right of choice through declaration of independence was reimposed upon us so we can do what is right to our rights," he added.
Andanar, in particular, cited the Filipinos' willingness to lend a helping hand despite experiencing hardships themselves.
"Andyan yung mga taong di mo naman kilala pero handang tumulong sa’yo. Andyan yung mga kababayan natin na naghihikahos ngunit handang mag-ambag ng kahit ano para sa kapwa Pilipino (There are people who help us even if we don't know them. There are also the people who, despite their own sufferings, are willing to help)," he said.
"Andyan po ang Pilipino handang-handa para sa kapwa (Filipinos are always there to help)," he added.
The Palace official, meanwhile, said that the government is doing everything to protect these rights especially while the country continues to face the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"May pamunuan tayong nagmamahal ng tunay sa kapwa Pilipino at kasama natin sa laban sa walang mukhang mananakop (We have a government that loves Filipinos and is with us in our fight against our faceless enemy)," he said.
The country celebrated its 122nd Independence Day on Friday. This was also the fourth time that President Duterte skipped the celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila since winning the presidency in 2016.