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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara tells Pinoys to defend freedom against oppressors

VP Sara tells Pinoys to defend freedom against oppressors

Published Jun 12, 2025 07:58 am
As Vice President Sara Duterte looked back at the sacrifices of the country’s heroes in fighting for freedom, she reminded Filipinos on Thursday, June 12, during the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day celebration to continue to defend the country against oppressors and abusers.

                         Vice President Sara Duterte (MB File Photo)


In her message for Independence Day, the Vice President recalled how the country’s heroes stood against oppressors and colonizers to be able to pursue its own advocacies, interests, and dreams.

“Ang Araw ng Kalayaan ay pagkakataon hindi lamang upang ipagdiwang ang ating kalayaan kundi upang paalalahanan din tayo sa ating tungkulin na bantayan, pangalagaan at ipagtanggol ito sa lahat ng panahon (Independence Day is not only a chance to celebrate our freedom but also to remind us of our duty to safeguard, take care, and defend it at all times),” she said, lamenting that abuse, corruption, and poverty still threaten the country’s hard-fought democracy.

“Kabilang sa mga hamon sa ating kalayaan ay ang pagmamalabis at katiwalian sa gobyerno, laganap na droga, problema sa edukasyon, kahirapan at gutom (The challenges to our freedom include abuse and corruption in the government, widespread drug use, problems in education, poverty, and hunger),” she added.

Filipinos did not fight for freedom only to be oppressed once more and for others to lose their rights and become enslaved to a few, Duterte reminded.

“Huwag nating isuko ang kalayaang ito sa mga taksil at walang malasakit sa ating mamamayan at sa ating bayan (Let us not give up this freedom to traitors and to those without compassion to our fellowmen and our country),” Duterte said.

The Vice President likewise told Filipinos that embracing a culture of enslavement, ignoring the plight of impoverished Filipinos, and violating rights and laws are an affront to the memories of the country’s heroes.

Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial, will be celebrating the Independence Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It is not clear when the Vice President, who also took a personal trip with her family to Malaysia, will be back in the country as she is being summoned by the Senate impeachment court.

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