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Today the Philippines marks its 115th Independence Day. And key government officials spearheaded
various activites across the country.
President Benigno Aquino III led the flag raising ceremony at the Liwasang Bonifacio
in Manila.
The president's Independence Day message focused on the importance of the country's sovereignty.
In his speech, the president alluded to the different territorial disputes the country
is currently involved in. He clearly said that the government is ready to fight for
its rights and claim what is "truly ours."
"We have no other desire than to take care of what is rightfully ours. We have never
trampled upon the rights of others. We have not claimed or demanded territory that clearly
belongs to another. We have neither condescended upon nor oppressed others."
Another point the president emphasized is that the Philippines is a self-governing state
and is therefore equal to other nations.
"Your government remains aware of its responsibility to protect this independence. This is why
we have always stood up for our rights as a country with its own sovereignty, as a nation
that spilled its blood in the name of freedom, as a Philippines with its own flag, equal
to all others."
The president also took the opportunity to mention about the different measures his administration
is doing to modernize the armed forces.
"In the next five years, we will also be able to spend 75 billion pesos on National Defense
due to the New AFP Modernization Act being passed into law. In truth, even before this
Act was passed, in the space of one year and seven months, the 28 billion pesos in funds
that we allotted to the AFP Modernization program came close to equaling the 33 billion
pesos allotted to the same program by the past three administrations. This signifies
our drive, not only to modernize our armed forces, but also to raise the dignity and
morale of our soldiers."
Although President Aquino mentioned about the improved state of the Armed Forces, he
clarified that this doesn't mean that the Philippines would go into war because of its
territorial claims.
"As we stand for our rights, we must continue exhibiting the values Filipinos are known
for: Aggression does not run in our veins, but neither will we back down from any challenge.
And while we will protect our rights and continue to build consensus with all parties to promote
calm and understanding, we must also increase the capabilities of our Armed Forces."
The president ended his speech by reminding Filipinos to be united especially during times
when the nation's sovereignty and security are being threatened.
Reporting from Manila, the Philippines, I am Jeric Pena.