President Marcos Highlights Accountability on Independence Day
President Marcos declared that the true enemy of freedom is a lack of concern for the people’s needs. Speaking during the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration, he strongly criticized government officials who misuse their power and neglect their responsibilities. Addressing issues like rising food prices, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing power shortages, Marcos emphasized that accountability must be the foundation of public service.
Marcos’ Independence Day speech followed his visits to Siquijor, which has endured weeks of island-wide blackouts and rotating brownouts, and to Tacloban City to assess the deteriorating condition of the San Juanico Bridge. “Dahil ang totoong kalaban ng kalayaan ay ang pagiging manhid. Manhid sa hinaing ng taumbayan. Manhid sa kalagayan ng ating kapwa. Manhid sa kapakanan ng ating bansa,” he said, stressing that apathy towards the people is the real threat to freedom.
Urgent Call for Real Action and Service
He voiced the people’s call for genuine service and swift action, highlighting how damaged bridges, poor roads, expensive food, and electricity shortages affect daily life. “Pananagutan. ‘Yan ang sigaw ng sambayanan,” Marcos declared, urging officials to respond promptly to citizens’ needs and improve the quality of government services.
The President made it clear that officials who abuse their authority or fail to perform their duties must be held accountable. “Papanagutin natin hindi lang ang mga umaabuso sa tungkulin, maging ang mga nagkukulang sa paglilingkod,” he added.
Freedom Means Dignity and Basic Needs
Marcos further explained that true freedom is more than just a concept; it is felt when families have food on the table, reliable transportation, accessible medicine, and dignity in work. He encouraged Filipinos to continue defending independence amid today’s global challenges.
“Freedom is fleeting; fake news, misinformation, herd mentality can erase our way of life, our culture, our value system that we hold so dear,” he warned. “Huwag nating kakalimutan na ang kalayaan ay hindi ibinibigay.”
Combating Fake News to Protect Freedom
The President expressed deep concern over the spread of misinformation and lies that endanger the nation’s freedom. He called false news a plague that undermines truth and unity.
“Ang mga kasinungalingang walang hangganan—mga balitang walang katotohanan at maling impormasyon—ito ang mga salot sa ating kalayaan,” he said. Marcos also lamented that some Filipinos cling to falsehoods for the benefit of others rather than the Filipino people.
He urged everyone to seek truth, be discerning, and stand united despite differences. Marcos encouraged his fellow citizens to choose honesty even when no one is watching and to act courageously when confronted with injustice.
For more news and updates on accountability on Independence Day, visit Filipinokami.com.