DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte commemorated the 128th Philippine Independence Day by honoring the sacrifices of Filipino heroes and calling for continued efforts to protect freedom, sovereignty, and democratic rights.

In a speech during the commemoration at Rizal Park on San Pedro St. here, Vice President Duterte said that June 12 represents not only the country's declaration of independence but also the courage of Filipinos who fought for freedom and self-determination.

The Vice President recalled the declaration of Philippine independence by President Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, following more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.

"It was paid for and earned through courage," Vice President Duterte said, noting that Filipinos resisted foreign domination even after the Treaty of Paris transferred control of the Philippines from Spain to the United States without the consent of the Filipino people.

She said sovereignty remains a continuing responsibility and warned that threats to national freedom can come from within government institutions through corruption and poor governance, which deprives Filipinos of essential opportunities and services.

"Every peso stolen from the people's treasury steals a child's freedom from hunger. It deprives a student of freedom from illiteracy or substandard education. It steals a patient's freedom to obtain quality healthcare," Vice President Duterte said.

The Vice President urged Filipinos to uphold truth, accountability, freedom, and sovereignty, stressing that hope endures when citizens reject poor governance and work together to demand their rights. "Freedom is never permanent unless it is defended."

Rep. Duterte also paid tribute to national heroes and ordinary Filipinos who fought for the country's independence and sovereignty, saying that the fight for freedom continues today through efforts to address poverty, hunger, limited opportunities, and the abuse of power.

"The most important battle today is the liberation of every family from poverty, hunger, lack of opportunity, and fear of abuse of power," Rep. Duterte said, adding that many Filipinos still struggle every day to feed their families, send their children to school, and build a better future.

Rep. Duterte stressed that freedom remains incomplete when citizens are trapped in poverty and democratic principles are undermined by weakening their ability to exercise their rights and fully participate in national development.

"The true spirit of Independence Day is not only remembering the past but continuing the struggle for a just, humane, and truly free society," the lawmaker said. "May history inspire us to keep fighting for a Philippines free not only from foreign rule, but also from all forms of oppression."