President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and three sons, Ferdinand Alexander, Joseph Simon and William Vincent lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony for the 128th Independence Day celebration on June 12, 2026, at Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila. This year’s theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan”(Freedom, Future, History). INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Independence Day reminded fellow government officials to always prioritize the collective welfare, saying “true leaders are those who sacrifice their own interests for the good of the people.”
In rites commemorating the 1898 declaration of the nation’s breakaway from Spanish colonial rule, the President urged Filipinos to draw lessons from history and remain united in protecting the country’s freedom and sovereignty amid modern-day challenges.
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READ: Marcos on Independence Day: Put nation first, not self-interest
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“Let us choose the good of the nation over the interests of a few,” he said in a speech at Quirino Grandstand.
‘Remain discerning’
“Our history has taught us that independence can only be achieved through unity; that true leaders sacrifice their personal interests for the good of the nation; and that freedom must be safeguarded,” he added.
In apparent reference to the devastating earthquake that hit southern Mindanao on June 8, he cited the people’s “ability to rise above adversity,’’ and that “especially during times of calamity, we always show unity, cooperation, and compassion.”
“To every Filipino, this is my call: do not be tired of loving, choosing, and fighting for the Philippines. Let us deepen our awareness, remain discerning in our pursuit of truth, and use our abilities for good rather than for harm. Let us be fair even as we compete in life every day and not take advantage of the hard work of others,” he added.
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“If we remain faithful to these ideals, we can be certain that future generations will inherit a country that is stronger, more just, and more prosperous,” he said.
Divisive period
The President made the appeal at one of the most politically divisive periods of his four-year-old presidency, with factionalism recently almost paralyzing the Senate and with the nation anticipating the impeachment trial next month of his ally-turned-archcritic, Vice President Sara Duterte.
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The Manila celebration of the 128th anniversary of the Philippine declaration of independence started at the Rizal National Monument, with the President, together with the first family, leading the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies. —REPORTS FROM LUISA CABATO AND PNA
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