Marcos: It's every Filipino's duty not to succumb to threats of oppression

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored that it is the duty of every Filipino to protect the independence and not to succumb to threats and challenges faced by the country.

Marcos led the flag raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument for the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Also present were First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos and William Vincent Marcos.

"Isang karangalan ang mapabilang sa lahing Pilipino na ang mga ninuno ay magiting at nakipaglaban upang maibalik ang kasarinlan at kapayapaan sa ating bansa," Marcos said in a video message.

(It's an honor to be a Filipino, whose ancestors bravely fought for the independence and peace in the country.)

"At bilang tagapagmana ng kalayaan na tinatamasa natin ngayon, tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na pangalagaan ito at tiyakin na hindi na tayo kailanman magpapatinag sa banta ng pananakot, pananakop at pang-aapi," he added.

(As heirs of the freedom we enjoyed today, it is our duty to protect this and ensure that we will not succumb to threats of oppression.)

Marcos urged Filipinos to strengthen its courage, unity, and camaraderie as they face the modern-day challenges.

"Sa pagharap natin sa mga paghamon ng modernong panahon, nawa ay pagtitibayin natin hindi lamang ang ating katapangan, kung hindi na rin ang ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan," the President said.

(As we face modern-day challenges, we must strengthen not only our courage but also our unity and camaraderie.)

Diplomatic officials were also in attendance during the ceremony, including Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Marcos told Filipinos that we are the face of "Bagong Pilipinas," noting that every citizen could be a hero in his or her own way.

'Bagong Pilipinas' hymn

During the ceremony, the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn was sang and the pledge was recited by the attendees.

Earlier, Malacañang directed all national government agencies and educational institutions to make the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn and pledge a part of weekly flag ceremonies.

Based on the Memorandum Circular 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4, the order was made "to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos."

Also on Wednesday, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) criticized the executive order, saying that it was "impractical and unnecessary."

TDC chairperson Benjo Basas said that singing the Lupang Hinirang and reciting the Panatang Makabayan and the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas are already enough during the flag raising ceremony in schools every Monday.

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III earlier said that a law must cover the singing and recitation of the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn and pledge, adding that a simple executive directive was insufficient as this "involves the way of thinking of the people."

Vin D' Honneur

Later in the day, Marcos reiterated that the country's 126th Independence Day is a strong affirmation of the Filipinos' duty ''to defend everything that is rightfully ours.''

''Today’s reception is more than just a commemoration of the birth of the Philippine Republic – the first in Asia – but a strong affirmation of our century-old nationhood, and of our collective duty as Filipinos to safeguard what our forefathers have fought and died for so that we may carry on our sacrosanct mandate to protect our country and to defend everything that is rightfully ours from those who will try to cross [the redlines],'' he said during the Vin D' Honneur Reception at the Malacañang Palace,

''We must dig deep into our valiant past, draw strength from the heroism of our forefathers, and let this heritage of selflessness propel us forward into the future,'' he added. 

Marcos said the struggle for Philippine independence continues to reverberate to this day, not against colonial oppression, but against modern-day challenges. 

''We draw inspiration from the valor, resilience, and untiring spirit of our forefathers as we tackle these new challenges confronting our country,'' he said. 

In the recent IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Marcos was asked if it would be considered crossing the red line when a Filipino sailor will be killed due to the water cannon attacks of China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos said the matter would be considered as an act of war.

The President said the country's foreign policy is grounded on the continuing promotion and work for peace as well as the continuing promotion and work for the country's national interest.

 He added that the Philippines, on a global stage, has taken positions in support of the rule of law and of the rules-based international order, adding that it is grounded on the principles laid out in the UN Charter and multilateral conventions.  

When it comes to the economic aspect, Marcos said the Philippine government has still managed to curb inflation to a reasonable and almost manageable level. 

''It remains unfortunately our greatest problem and this inflation that is brought by forces that we cannot control,'' he said.

''But nonetheless, I think that we have done a good job and with this... It is a very large improvement from what we were under --- the situation that we were under maybe a year ago,'' he added. — VDV/AOL, GMA Integrated News