Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the 125th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic at Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan. Also in photo are President Ferdinand “Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and other Bulacan officials. Photo by Ver Noveno
Speaker Romualdez: Let’s renew pledge to uphold, preserve PH democracy
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday urged Filipinos to commit themselves to upholding and preserving democracy in the country.
Speaker Romualdez made the appeal in his solidarity message on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic commemorated at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. was the principal guest of honor at the event.
Speaker Romualdez, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Emmanuel Franco Calairo, and Barasoain Church Parish Priest assisted President Marcos at the flag-raising ceremony.
“Ako’y nakikiisa sa bawat Pilipino sa pagpaparangal sa araw na ito, kasama ang lahat ng kinatawan ng Malaking Kapulungan ng Kongreso,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang muling ialay ang ating sarili sa demokrasya sa loob at labas ng bayan nating mahal. Kasabay nito, palakasin pa natin ang ating determinasyon na magpatuloy sa paghahangad ng kaunlaran para sa Pilipinas – isang bansa kung saan malaya ang bawat Pilipino na itakda ang kinabukasan na may kalayaan, kapayapaan, at kasaganaan,” he added.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said every Filipino should be proud that 125 years ago, the founders of the First Republic adopted the first republican constitution in Asia to pursue their dream of establishing an independent and sovereign nation.
“Sa loob ng simbahang ito – pinagkaisahan ang paniniwala na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay nagmumula sa mga mamamayan. Ang paninindigan na ang bawat Pilipino ay may pantay na mga karapatan. Ang kapangyarihan na hubugin ang kaunlaran ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpili sa mga opisyal na mananagot sa taumbayan,” Romualdez said.
That dream is our reality today as Philippine democracy remains alive and vibrant, according to Romualdez.
“Namumukod-tangi at masigla ang demokrasya sa Pilipinas. Ang bawat isa ay may kalayaan sa pagpapahayag. Mayroon tayong mga pinunong pinili ng nakakarami,” Romualdez said.
“Kahit may ilan na maaaring hindi sumang-ayon dito, naniniwala ako na ang pagpapanatili ng mga prinsipyong demokratiko ay sapat na dahilan upang tayo ay magdiwang,” he added.
Other lawmakers graced the occasion including Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr.; Deputy Speakers Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Camille Villar and Kristine Meehan-Singson, and Bulacan Reps. Ambrosio Cruz, Jr., Salvador Pleyto, Augustina Pancho, Linabelle Ruth Villarica and Danny Domingo.
Also present during the event were Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Mark Villar.
