By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against the spread of fake news and misinformation, which he called bane to freedom, as he led the nation in celebrating the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
In a speech at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the President said that while Filipinos can give an opinion or criticism, there is a need to combat the proliferation of lies that threaten our democracy.
“Nakakalungkot din na may ilan din sa ating mga kababayan ay pinipilit ang maling paniniwala para sa interes ng iba, at hindi para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino,” Marcos said.
“Maging mapanuri tayo lagi—alamin natin ang totoo, labanan ang mga kasinungalingan. Piliin nating maging tapat, kahit walang nakakakita; piliin natin na manindigan, lalo na kung may nagkakamali; [at] piliin natin ang pagkakaisa sa gitna ng pagkakaiba.”
He also called on Filipinos to nurture and uphold freedom and democracy, emulating the forebears who fought for the country’s independence over a century ago.
According to the President, the government must lead the nation in protecting Philippine independence and its leaders must not waste the trust of the people who elected them to office.
“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.
“Tayong mga kagawad ng pamahalaan, mga tagapagmana ng kalayaan, huwag nating sayangin ang pagkakataon at tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa atin.”
The Chief Executive reminded government officials to serve and improve the lives of Filipinos by responding to their immediate needs, enhancing the quality of service, and correcting their shortcomings.
“Pananagutan—‘yan ang sigaw ng sambayanan,” Marcos said.
“Dahil mas madadama ng Pilipino ang kalayaan kung may pagkain sa hapag, may maayos na transportasyon, may gamot para sa mga may sakit, at may dignidad ang bawat manggagawa.”
-jpv
