Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara on Saturday, June 12, wished that the Philippines would soon break free from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As we commemorate the 123rd year of Philippine Independence, our continued aspiration is for all Filipinos to enjoy all the freedoms under a democratic society," Angara said in his Independence Day statement.
"There are still a few that we must strive to achieve, including freedom from the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic," he, however, said.
Angara said the past year has tested the country's ability to cope with the pandemic, especially with its impacts to the health system and the economy.
"It has also challenged the resilience of our kababayans (countrymen), who are going through a crisis that many never thought would happen in this lifetime," he added.
Like Angara, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III hoped that the Philippines would finally be free from poverty.
"Happy Independence Day to all of us. Let us continue to value and safeguard our independence and sovereignty. Let us also aspire to be free from poverty, from disorder and lawlessness, and from injustice. And pray and work that we achieve these within our children’s lifetime," Pimentel tweeted.
Senators Nancy Binay, Christopher "Bong" Go, Francis Pangilinan, and Grace Poe, meanwhile, paid tribute to heroes who sacrificed their lives to fight for the country's independence.
"Ating ipagbunyi ang mga magigiting na Pilipinong lumaban para sa ating bayan. Maging inspirasyon sana ang kanilang kadakilaan upang ipagpatuloy ang laban at makuha natin ang tunay na kalayaan sa makabagong panahon (Let us celebrate the brave Filipinos who fought for our country. We should take inspiration from them to continue the fight and achieve genuine freedom in this modern time)," Poe said.