By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — As the nation marked the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo urged Filipinos to look beyond the celebration itself and focus on the responsibility of preserving and enriching the freedom won by previous generations.
Speaking during the Independence Day commemoration at the Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga, Gesmundo said that while Filipinos honor the struggle for independence from foreign rule, the greater challenge today is ensuring that freedom translates into a just, prosperous, and accountable society.
“The more important day is the day after Independence Day,” the Chief Justice said, emphasizing that achieving freedom is only the beginning. He challenged Filipinos to reflect on how they use, protect, and strengthen that freedom in their daily lives.
Gesmundo noted that the country’s modern struggle is no longer solely against foreign domination but against persistent social problems, including poverty, hunger, fear, corruption, abuse of power, selfishness, neglect, and injustice.
He stressed that freedom carries with it responsibilities, adding that every Filipino has a role in building a nation that is not only politically independent but also free from conditions that prevent citizens from living with dignity and opportunity.
The Chief Justice also revealed that this year’s celebration would be his final Independence Day observance as head of the judiciary before his retirement in November. He described the occasion as especially meaningful, allowing him to leave a message centered on the enduring value of freedom and civic responsibility.
Drawing lessons from the historic Pamintuan Mansion, where the first anniversary of Philippine independence was celebrated under the leadership of Emilio Aguinaldo, Gesmundo reflected on the building’s transformation through different periods of Philippine history—from the Revolution and the Philippine-American War to the Japanese occupation and its eventual conversion into a museum.
According to the Chief Justice, the structure serves as a reminder that freedom links the nation’s past, present, and future, and that every generation must continue the work of protecting and advancing it.
He underscored that the pursuit of justice is one of the clearest paths toward meaningful freedom, stressing that the responsibility does not rest solely on judges, lawyers, and members of the judiciary but on all citizens through their conduct, participation in society, and commitment to democratic values.
“A nation that is truly free is just, and a nation that is truly just is free,” Gesmundo said.
As he concluded his final Independence Day address as Chief Justice, he called on Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes by continuing the work of building a fair, accountable, and inclusive society for future generations.
ia/xf
