Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo called on Filipinos to unite in the fight for everyone’s rights amid the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and threats to democracy and freedom brought about by the anti-terrorism bill.
“Ang tunay na kalayaan ay kalayaan para sa kapwa. At sa mga pagkakataong may banta sa kalayaan ng isa, kailangang lahat tayo pumalag, dahil ang tunay na binabantaan ay ang kalayaan ng lahat,” Robredo said as the Philippines celebrated its 122nd Independence Day Friday.
As the public is encouraged to stay at home due to the health crisis, Robredo said the “ironic” celebration of Independence Day under lockdown should be a time for the Filipino people to ponder on the meaning of freedom.
“Sa mga nakikita natin sa mundo ngayon—sa harap ng pandemya, ng mga banta sa karapatan at kalayaan, sa pag-alab ng mga damdamin laban sa paniniil at pagbalewala sa dignidad ng indibiduwal o lahi—siguro nagiging malinaw na rin sa mas nakararami: Magkakarugtong ang kalayaan ng lahat,” the vice president said.
“Walang kalayaan ang isa kung walang kalayaan ang lahat—dahil ang sistemang sisiguro nito ay gagana lamang kung lahat ay ituturing nang patas at makatao: Patas ang dignidad, patas ang mga karapatan, pare-parehong may kalayaan,” she added.
Robredo also said the country’s systems, economic, freedom and justice among many, should be fair for all.
She said the recovery from the ongoing pandemic should not be a return “back to normal,” but rather a transition to a world that adheres to everyone’s freedoms, rights and dignity.
“Haharap tayo sa bagong bukas nang kinikilala ang malalim at di-maisasantabing pagkakabigkis natin bilang Pilipino,” she said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro