On this day 125 years ago, the Philippines declared its independence from Spain after more than three centuries of colonial rule. This hard-fought battle was marked by sporadic rebellions and uprisings against the oppressive religious, political, and economic policies of the colonizers. However, the declaration of independence was short-lived, as the country became a war prize in the 1898 Spanish-American War and endured American rule until it was finally granted independence on July 4, 1946. In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal moved Independence Day back to June 12, describing it as the culmination of acts of patriotism and nationalism, and praising Filipino leaders for leading the way in breaking the chains of colonialism and establishing national dignity.
Yet, as we commemorate this historic day, we must also reflect on the challenges that remain. The theme for this year’s Independence Day, “Freedom, Future, History,” carries timely significance. Freedom of navigation remains an elusive goal, as a neighboring country continues to threaten our Coast Guard and supply ships, and block our fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds. Meanwhile, the cost of basic goods continues to skyrocket, leaving many consumers struggling to make ends meet. The country’s debilitating debt also threatens our future, with the government paying exorbitant amounts in interest payments and leaving us with fewer resources for social services.
Furthermore, history itself is being rewritten, with trolls fueling disinformation and promoting revisionist narratives. The implementation of anti-terrorism laws and the resurgence of Red-tagging stifles dissent and threatens to lead us down a path of repeating past mistakes. As we celebrate our hard-won independence, let us remember that the fight for freedom never truly ends.
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