Vice President Sara Duterte served as the guest of honor during the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Rizal Park in Davao City.
Fight for Sovereignty and Freedom
Vice President Sara Duterte encouraged the public to fight for sovereignty and freedom this Independence Day, noting that the loss of sovereignty occurs not only through foreign invaders but also through corruption within the country.
During her Independence Day speech on June 12, 2026, at Rizal Park in Davao City, Duterte said sovereignty is lost every time government services become a private business. She emphasized that when government officials steal money, every peso stolen takes away a child's freedom from hunger, illiteracy, and lack of quality healthcare, and stalls workers' freedom to earn.
She added that every ghost project is a classroom never built, and every corrupt contract is a road never constructed for farmers to bring their produce to market.
"Ang korapsyon ay hindi lamang pagnanakaw ng pera. It steals opportunity, it steals dignity, and it steals hope. And ultimately, it steals freedom itself," Duterte said.
Hope and Sovereignty
The vice president stated that sovereignty survives when the people refuse to surrender it, and hope survives when they refuse to accept bad governance as their destiny. Hope endures when citizens act together to make their voices heard and demand the rights of every Filipino.
Duterte said this commemoration is not just a date but a celebration of the courage of Filipinos who fought for the nation's freedom and sovereignty. She highlighted that freedom is not a gift but was earned through courage and paid for through the grit and bravery of Filipinos.
Thus, she encouraged the public on Independence Day to stand for truth, accountability, freedom, and sovereignty, urging them to choose to fight instead of giving up.
Local Officials' Remarks
Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II, who represented Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, said that this Independence Day honors the courage, patriotism, and sacrifices of heroes who laid the groundwork for the freedom enjoyed today.
"Amid our current political landscape, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the freedom of our citizens and preserve the sovereignty of our state," he said.
He noted that despite the political landscape of the Philippines, Filipinos share the responsibility of safeguarding freedom and preserving national sovereignty.
Rigo urged the public to remain steadfast, especially against those who seek to weaken democratic values, undermine citizens' rights, and threaten the foundation of the country's liberty.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
The vice president led the commemoration of Independence Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of national hero Jose Rizal. Safety and security personnel, as well as foreign dignitaries, offered flower wreaths at the monument in commemoration of the country's independence.
