Philippines to strengthen defence to protect independence: Aquino Manolo B. Jara MANILA President Benigno Aquino on Wednesday vowed to defend and protect Philippine sovereignty in the face of the challenges posed by its territorial disputes with neighbouring countries especially in the South China Sea. Aquino stressed, the country would always opt for a peaceful solution to such disputes while emphasising the government would continue to strengthen its defence capability against any aggressive moves to encroach into its territory. “It is not in our nature to be aggressive but we will not also shirk from any challenge,” he said. In his Independence Day speech, Aquino also vowed to address the basic needs of the 98 million Filipinos as he reiterated his appeal for the people to do their part in this endeavour. Aquino led in the celebration of the country’s 115 Independence Day by raising the flag at Bonifacio Square near the Manila City Hall which was named after national hero Andres Bonifacio who led the uprising against the Spanish conquistadores. Other top officials like Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Franklin Drilon participated in the flag-raising ceremonies at the other historical spots particularly the Rizal Park in Manila, Cavite province in Southern Luzon and Barasaoin Church, Bulacan province in Central Luzon. “As we reflect today on the value of our independence, your government remains aware of its responsibility to protect our independence,” Aquino stressed in his speech delivered in Filipino. “This is why,” he added, “we have always stood up for our rights as a country with its own sovereignty; as a nation that spilled its blood in the name of freedom.” Aquino did not mention any nation but the Philippines has been involved in territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea which has increased regional tension. The Philippines and three of its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam – are also involved in a separate dispute with China over their conflicting claims in part or in whole of Spratly island group in the South China Sea. Later in the traditional Independence Day reception at Malacanang Palace, diplomats cited the Philippines for the “excellent results” it has achieved during the year. Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, the papal envoy and the dean of the diplomatic corps, said in his speech the country’s economic gains highlighted by the 7.8 per cent growth it recorded in the first quarter of 2013. Pinto also lauded the signing of the historic framework agreement signed on October 15 between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aimed at bringing just and lasting peace as well as ending decades-long violence in troubled Mindanao. Under the agreement, the government was to set up a new Bangsamoro political entity to be carved out initially from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as well as Marawi City.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 08:22:40 +0000
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