122nd Independence Day - Duterte Calls For ‘United Battle' Vs Covid-19

One hundred twenty-two years after the country won its independence, President Duterte has called for a “united battle,” this time to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

- Genalyn D. Kabiling

In his Independence Day message, the President urged the nation to emulate the courage of the country's forefathers in fighting the viral outbreak.

As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of our past, Duterte said.

Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic, he added.

The President's call for unity and optimism came as the country's coronavirus cases soared to 24,175 as of June 11. The death toll has reached 1,036 while recoveries increased to 5,165.

The President was unable to physically attend the Independence Day ceremony at the Rizal Park amid the limitations on large gatherings during quarantine. Duterte was instead represented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea during the simple flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila aired on state television, PTV4. The President's video message was played on a large television screen mounted at the venue.

The government task force on the coronavirus earlier ruled that only 10 people may attend the Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park. The Palace earlier said the President's presence at the celebration might attract large crowds and break the safe distancing rule.

In his video message, the President paid tribute to the country's forefathers for winning the nation's liberty from foreign rule.

I join all Filipinos in celebrating the 122nd anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine independence, the President said.