Duterte hopeful Filipinos will be freed from grip of COVID-19
President Duterte has expressed hope that the Philippines can overcome the challenges brought by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as he joined Filipinos in celebrating Independence Day.

Duterte made the statement as the country commemorated the 123rd year of its independence from Spanish colonizers on Saturday, June 12.
In his video message, the President noted how Filipinos were put to the test by the pandemic that prompted each citizen to be a hero, himself.
"The challenges of the past year have tested our character as a nation," he said.
"Each of us has been called upon to be heroes in our own right --- in fighting for our survival and in devoting ourselves to the common good, just as our heroes did more than a century ago," he added.
President Duterte wished that Filipinos will continue to be inspired, and expressed hope that the country will be able to overcome the still ongoing health crisis.
"With their noble example inspiring us, we look forward to a brighter future filled with hope that we will overcome the challenges brought by this pandemic," he said.
"May the patriotic fervor continue to burn in our hearts," he added.
President Duterte is expected to attend this year's Independence Day rites in Malolos, Bulacan. This will be the second time he will join the commemoration since assuming office in 2016.
The first Independence Day celebration he attended was in Kawit, Cavite in 2018 where he was heckled by 10 demonstrators as he was starting his speech.