Today we commemorate Philippine Independence Day, marking 127 years since the Declaration of Independence from Spanish rule. However, we had to go through the Filipino-American War and World War II to finally achieve real sovereignty on 4 July 1946.

Our forefathers braved hardship, endured suffering, and laid down their lives not merely to gain political independence and personal freedom, but to secure a brighter future for all Filipinos, both in their time and for generations to come.

Considering all that was sacrificed to achieve independence and sovereignty, it is only fitting that we reflect on the state of our nation today.

As to the economic well-being of the people, the Social Weather Stations report on self-rated poverty as of 28 April 2025 showed that 50 percent of Filipino families considered themselves “poor,” with another 8 percent rating themselves as “borderline.”

The estimated nominal GDP per capita of the Philippines in 2025 is US$4,439, behind Singapore ($93,956), Brunei ($37,023), Malaysia ($14,423), Thailand ($7,754), Indonesia ($5,248) and Vietnam ($4,986).

In terms of public governance, Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Index ranked the Philippines 114th out of 180 countries. It had a score of 33 out of 100, which is below the global average of 43 and the Asia Pacific region’s average of 44. An index score of 0 to 9 means “highly corrupt,” while a score of 90 to 100 means “very clean.”

The country’s ranking of 114 was behind most of the ASEAN nations — Singapore (ranked third in the global index), Malaysia (50), Timor-Leste (44), Vietnam (40), Indonesia (37) and Thailand (34). Brunei was not part of the survey.

We add to this the current intense Marcos-Duterte political feud, the issues on the 2025 national budget, the unclear outcome of the impeachment of the incumbent Vice President, the political dynasties, among others.

On the socio-cultural side, the decline in our educational system is a national crisis that has considerable adverse effects for the present and the future.

In terms of overall national security, China’s incursions into our territorial waters, the issues of spying, disinformation, and other threats are major and immediate causes of concern.

Jose Rizal, speaking through Padre Florentino in “El Filibusterismo” said, “Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?” Decades later, President Manuel Quezon famously declared, “I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.”

We have gained our independence and sovereignty. However, beyond independence is the quest for a better life for all Filipinos. The struggle continues. We should not allow tyrants to rule over us nor have a government run like hell. We should fight the enemies from within, the corrupt and the wrongdoers. It will be a long and difficult struggle, but we must do it, and can do it. Our history from the Philippine Revolution to World War II, to the People Power Revolution in 1986, has proven this.

Beyond independence, let us stand together, speak out, and work tirelessly to have a better life for ourselves and the generations of Filipinos after us.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)