Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. salutes after laying a wreath at the tomb of President Emilio Aguinaldo. (Facebook)

Despite his foot injury, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. proudly carried out his Independence Day duties on Wednesday, June 12 at the Dambana ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. 

Revilla, who was the guest of honor for this year’s commemoration of the country’s declaration of freedom, led the wreath-laying rites at the tomb of President Emilio Aguinaldo and the subsequent flag-raising ceremony at the shrine’s iconic balcony. 

He did so while wearing a brace that was meant to immobilize his right foot. The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) chairman tore his Achilles tendon during a film shoot last April, it was recalled. 

The Achilles tendon facilitates walking and a torn one could take anywhere from six to nine months to fully heal. 

Revilla had been using crutches to walk during the past few weeks. On Wednesday, he was seen using a cane. 

In his speech, Revilla said that the heroism of the nation’s forefathers who freed the Philippines from colonizers will never be forgotten. 

“Daang taon man ang lumipas, hindi malilimutan ang dakilang sakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno. At magpakailanman, ito ay tatanawin nating utang na loob sa kanilang nag-alis ng tanikalang bumihag sa ating inang bayan," he said. 

(A hundred years may pass, but we will never forget the supreme sacrifice of our ancestors. And we will forever be indebted to them for removing the shackles of our mother land.) 

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. (2nd from right) (Facebook)

The movie actor-solon also highlighted the resilience and determination of Filipinos in facing challenges and upholding their independence. 

“Anumang hagupit ng tadhana, hindi nagpatinag ang lahing Pilipino na pinanday na ng panahon. Isang bayang hindi na muling magpapagapi. Isang bayang paulit-ulit na itataas ang bandilang simbolo ng kapayapayan, kasarinlan at katarungan. Ito mismo ang taunan nating ipinagdiriwang -- ang diwang walang maliw ang kabayanihan at kadakilaan,” he declared. 

(The Filipino race that had been forged in the crucible of time never backed down from the challenges of history. A country that will never again be enslaved. A nation that has repeatedly raised the flag of peace, independence, and justice. This is exactly what we celebrate annually-- the undying spirit of heroism and greatness.)