President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024

126th Independence Day

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1718188397989viber_image_2024-06-12_10-55-26-282.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday guaranteed that the Philippines would not waver in its commitment in defending its territory as the country marked its 126th Independence Day.</p><p>Marcos Jr. made no mention of any country, but his administration has been vocal in denouncing China&#x27;s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, especially in waters that fall within the Philippines&#x27; exclusive economic zone.</p><p>&quot;Ang ating mga ninuno ay hindi umurong sa digmaan kaya tayo ay hindi rin tatalikod sa ating tungkuling ipagtanggol ang ating nasasakupan,&quot; the President said in a speech delivered during that country&#x27;s 126th Independence Day celebration in the capital city.</p><p>&quot;Hindi nasusukat sa lakas o yaman, kung hindi sa tunay na kahulugan at katuwiran ng ating ipinaglalaban sa alab ng pag-ibig sa bayan at hindi matatawarang pagkakaisa ng mga mamamayan,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;Mananatili tayong matatag at hindi tayo matitinag,&quot; he added.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/12/philippine-navy-vows-on-independence-day-1606">&#x27;Our flag will remain flying in all our sovereign territory&#x27;, Philippine Navy vows on Independence Day</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/12/marcos-tells-filipinos-protect-freedom-do-not-cower-to-threats-of-oppression-958">Marcos tells Filipinos on Independence Day: Do not cower from threats of oppression</a></div><p>(Our ancestors did not yield from war so we will not turn back from our duty to defend our territory. We do not measure by might or by resources, but by the true meaning and reason of why we fight for our love of country and by the unparalleled unity of our countrymen. We will remain strong and we will not yield.)</p><p>Marcos Jr. also mentioned several Filipino heroes in his speech, underscoring their role in the freedom that the country enjoys today.</p><p>The youth should learn from the past and continue to defend the independence it has today, the President said.</p><p>&quot;Ang kalayaan ay inaalagaan, binabantayan at ipinaglalaban. Sa sandali na pabayaan natin ito ay maari itong mawala at maagaw sa atin,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;Hamon na patuloy ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan. Kaya naman sa pagdiriwang natin dito ay binibigyan ng ng pugay ang lahat ng lumaban para sa ating kasarinlan, ang ating karapatan bilang bansang malaya,&quot; he said.</p><p>(Freedom should be cared for, looked after, and fought for. The moment that we take it for granted, it may be lost and taken from us. It is a challenge to continuously fight for our freedom. That is why in our celebrations today, we praise and give honor to those who fought for our freedom, our right to be a free nation.)</p><p>This was not the first time that Marcos Jr. gave a public remark on his refusal to yield to China amid the continued aggression of Asia&#x27;s richest nations in the strategic waterway.</p><p>In an earlier gathering among government officials and diplomats in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. underscored that the Philippines will continue to &quot;defend what is ours from those who will try to cross these lines.&quot;</p><p>Aside from the President&#x27;s speech, the government also arranged a parade of 22 floats showcasing masterpieces from various agencies, followed by a concert headlined by girl group &quot;Bini.&quot;</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DW-49VeEM0w?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday guaranteed that the Philippines would not waver in its commitment in defending its territory as the country marked its 126th Independence Day.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday guaranteed that the Philippines would not waver in its commitment in defending its territory as the country marked its 126th Independence Day.

PH will not turn back from duty to defend territory, Marcos Jr. says on 126th Independence Day | ABS-CBN

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

News

PH will not turn back from duty to defend territory, Marcos Jr. says on 126th Independence Day

PH will not turn back from duty to defend territory, Marcos Jr. says on 126th Independence Day

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 12, 2024 06:36 PM PHT

Read More:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Independence Day

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Advertise with Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.