Let’s seek peace in the ways of peace
By JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
MALAYA
MALAYA
Happy 115th. President Aquino leads the 115th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Liwasang Bonifacio, reiterating his commitment to continue, in a peaceful way, to uphold the country’s sovereignty.
Aquino’s statement, which was part of his Independence Day message at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, was an obvious reference to China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia with which the Philippines has territorial conflicts.
He said the Philippines has never taken advantage of any country and this is shown by its willingness to sit down and hold dialogues.
“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,” he said.
“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. Harming others or sowing discord with other countries is not in our history,” Aquino said.
“The only thing we have asked is that our territory, rights, and dignity be respected, in the same way that we have respected the territory, rights, and dignity of other peoples. We are doing this precisely because we know that this is the key to maintaining stability, and by doing so, to continue the journey towards widespread and lasting progress, not only in our country, but also in our region and in the whole world,” he added.
Aquino said the challenges to the country’s sovereignty will be dealt with through “thorough planning, not impulsive decision-making.”
The Philippines has rows with China over the latter’s takeover of Panatag or Scarborough Shoal and continued presence in Ayungin Shoal.
Taiwan imposed sanctions against the Philippines for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coast Guard personnel as the Taiwanese fishing boat was poaching in Philippine waters.
A Vietnamese vessel was also reported to have attempted to poach at the Tubbataha Reef, months after a Chinese vessel and a United States minesweeper ran aground in the World Heritage Site.
Conflict also arose with Malaysia after several supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu in February led an armed incursion in Lahad Datu town in Sabah, which they claimed as their own, prompting Malaysian authorities to conduct an air strike.
The President also ensured the continued strengthening of the Armed Forces and the promotion of its members’ welfare.
He said among actions taken are the passage of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act last December and the provision of 35,800 housing units for soldiers and policemen.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista renewed the military’s commitment to uphold the nation’s sovereignty, saying this year’s Independence Day celebration “comes with renewed strength, hope and faith.”
But Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Ernesto Carolina, who led the flag raising at the North Cemetery in Manila, said other countries are preparing against threats, including Singapore which is a peaceful country.
“Sabi nga nila, the best invitation na ikaw ay pasukin ay kung i-announce mo na ikaw ay hindi handa, di ba? Weakness and unpreparedness, that is the best invitation ng intrusion,” he said.
He said investments must be made also in terms of human capital, but sadly, many young people do not want to attend the Reserve Officers Training Course in college. In other countries, he said people are required to serve with the military for at least two years.
“So a few years from now, lalampasuhin tayo, pound per pound, ng the same people dahil yung ating mga 20-plus years old hindi natin prinepare. Samantala sila two years, physically, mentally, discipline. Talo tayo,” he said.
Aquino raised the Philippine flag for the country’s 115th Independence Day anniversary at the Liwasang Bonifacio, offered a wreath at the statue of Andres Bonifacio, and received from the Philippine Postal Corporation a commemorative stamp marking the 150th year anniversary of Malacañan Palace.
Vice President Jejomar Binay led the Independence Day celebration at the Rizal Park. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. was at the Barasoain Church in Bulacan.
Sen. Franklin Drilon was at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
Re-elected Sen. Gregorio Honasan and San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez led the commemoration at the Pinaglabanan Shrine.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes failed to attend the rites at the Pamintuan mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga allegedly due to an emergency. She was replaced by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Commissioner Ferdinand Lianes.
At the vin d’honneur in Malacañan Palace at around noon, Aquino told the diplomatic corps that his administration is committed to promoting and preserving the freedom that country enjoys thanks to the national heroes that fought for it 115 years ago.
Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio and dean of the diplomatic corps, in his response to the President, acknowledged some of the achievements of the Aquino administration particularly in terms of the economy which he said should lead to inclusive growth by creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty.
At the Rizal Park, Binay said Independence Day would be more meaningful if Filipinos would also commemorate the sacrifices that their forefathers went through to achieve freedom.
In Cavite, Drilon said the country still faces big challenges like poverty. “We need to strengthen our faith in God, in our government and in ourselves. We must be united in order to pursue our dream of a progressive and a peaceful country,” he said.
His speech was interrupted by 10 members of a militant group who shouted “Huwad na kalayaan.” The Cavite Police Provincial Office arrested the militants and whisked them off to the Kawit Municipal Police Station where charges were filed against them.
At Pinaglabanan in San Juan, Honasan said just as Filipinos made sacrifices to gain independence, Filipinos now should make sacrifices for the sake of long term peace, unity and national progress. – With Victor Reyes, Evangeline de Vera, JP Lopez, and Raymond Africa
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