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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CJ Gesmundo on Independence Day: 'Continue the fight against corruption, negligence, abuses'

CJ Gesmundo on Independence Day: 'Continue the fight against corruption, negligence, abuses'

Published Jun 12, 2025 12:11 pm

Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo urged all Filipinos to protect the Philippines not only against foreign invasion but more so against reports of corruption, negligence, and abuses in the country.

Gesmundo’s call was aired when he participated, on behalf of the judiciary, during the celebration of the 127th year of Philippine Independence at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

Speaking in Filipino throughout his message, the Chief Justice said that reforms can be attained not only through war but also through the judiciary, the country’s educational system, and other government agencies “kung talagang gugustuhin natin (if we really want to do it).”

Gesmundo said: “Ang kalayaan ay hindi isang gantimpalang ibinigay dahil natapos na ang ating pagsusumikap -- ito ay isang layuning araw-araw nating pinapagtibay. Hindi natatapos ang kuwento ng ating kalayaan sa kasaysayan – ito ay nagpapatuloy sa kasalukuyan, at hinuhubog natin para sa kinabukasan. (Our independence was not achieved because our efforts have ended – this is a continuing effort we have to strengthen today to shape our future).”

He also said: “Kaya sa araw na ito, ipagdiwang natin ang ating kalayaan, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagwagayway ng ating bandila at pag-alala sa nakaraan, ngunit sa pamamagitan din ng pagkilos. Muli nating pagtibayin ang panata na siyang nagluwal sa ating kasarinlan. Ituro natin sa ating mga anak hindi lamang ang pangalan ng ating mga bayani, ngunit ang mga prinsipyo na isinapuso nila: ang pagmamahal sa bayan, ang pagsasakripisyo ng sariling interes para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami, at ang walang humpay na pagpupursigi upang patuloy na mapabuti ang bansa. (So, today we celebrate our Independence Day not only by waving our flag and remembering the past but more so on our relentless efforts.  We should strengthen our vow that paved the way for our independence. Let us teach our children, not only the names of our heroes but more so on the principles they fought for – love of country, sacrificing one’s interest for the benefit of the many, and relentless efforts to improve the welfare of our country).”

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