Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero takes his oath as the new Senate President on May 20, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Greeting Filipinos on his 1st Independence Day as Senate President, Senator Francis Escudero called on Filipinos to use the legacy of independence in forging paths for the future. 

"Ang kalayaan na ating tinatamasa ngayon ay bunga ng mga sakripisyo at katapangan ng ating mga bayani. Nawa’y magsilbi itong inspirasyon sa atin upang patuloy na magsumikap para sa isang mas magandang bukas," Escudero said.

"Sa paggunita natin sa mahalagang araw na ito, isapuso natin ang diwa ng kalayaan, hindi lamang bilang alaala kundi bilang gabay sa pagtahak sa landas ng pag-unlad at pagbabago," he said. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, for his part, urged Filipinos to defend the country’s rights and assets.

"Sa paggunita ng ika-126 na anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kalayaan, ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon sa pagtatanggol ng ating karapatan, mga likas na yaman, at teritoryong ating nasasakupan," Estrada said.

"Ang pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa ay ang pinakamalakas nating sandata laban sa mga dayuhang pwersa na nagnanais baguhin ang ating teritoryo at pahinain ang ating soberanya. Ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay ang pagiging handa na ipaglaban ito sa tuwing hinahamon tayo."

On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III wished Filipinos to be free of their burdens as the country commemorates its 126th Independence Day.

 "May we use this occasion to remind ourselves of the challenges we face today: inflation, joblessness, poverty, corruption, and crime. These are the modern-day enemies we must strive to overcome. Let us fight inflation and work towards economic stability for all," Pimentel said in a message shared to reporters. 

"Let us fight for salary hikes that reflect the true cost of living and give dignity to each hardworking Filipino. Let us put an end to corruption. Let us address joblessness and poverty as a nation. Let us work together to make our country safer for its people."

"May the nation and its people be freed from these burdens. Together, let us build a nation that embodies the true essence of freedom—one that is prosperous, just, and inclusive for all," Pimentel also said.

He said the country's Independence Day is a momentous occasion to cherish the birth of the republic and reflect on the sacrifices made by forefathers.

 "As we celebrate this day, let us also commit ourselves to preserving the spirit of freedom and independence for future generations," Pimentel said.

In a separate interview, Senator Robinhood Padilla noted that the country is now confronting the challenges posed by poverty and hunger.

"Ang kalayaan dapat nag-uumpisa yan sa iyo sa sarili mo yan ang tanungin natin sa mga kababayan natin sa palagay niyo ba malaya tayo? Ako hindi hanggang ngayon mahirap tayo eh ang pinaglalaban natin kalayaan sa kahirapan hindi sa kalaban ang una nating kalaban sarili natin mga kababayan yun ang una nating isipin wag si ganitong bansa wag si ganitong bansa tayo ang gugulo natin eh pagkain nga wala tayo masasabi malaya ba tayong tunay? Paano tayo magiging malaya?" Padilla said. 

"Ang malayang tao 'yung may pagkain siya, may tirahan siya, 'yun ang unang kalayaan," he said.

READ: Electricity, fuel costs drive inflation upward in May

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