Drilon rallies youth: Keep faith in our democracy

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on Independence Day appealed to the people to keep their faith in their democratic institutions such as the Senate amid the pork barrel scam controversies, and to separate the institution from the controversies involving some of its members.

“During these trying times in our nation’s life, I call on our people to separate the institution from the controversies involving some of its members,” said Drilon during his speech at the 116th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence held today in Pinaglabanan Shrine at San Juan City.

“Let us be more discerning. Let us not allow some quarters to dishonor our institutions, because the lack of respect for our democratic institutions only dishonor the memory of the brave and selfless Filipinos who valiantly fought the foreign colonizers to liberate our country, thus giving birth to Asia’s first democracy,” he emphasized.

"I believe that the relentless search for the truth and justice is a cleansing process that will strengthen this institution as a part of our government,” Drilon stressed.

Drilon noted that challenges to Philippine democracy have been present since the earliest days of the Philippine government: “Since we declared our independence 116 years ago, our country has been through political upheavals and economic debacles. Countless times our democratic institutions passed through deep waters of political intrigues and controversies, but as a nation we have always shown peerless courage to defend the national interest and protect our institutions.”

The Senate leader thus invited the public, particularly the nation’s youth, to take a more active role in “preserving our democratic values and traditions, and protecting our democratic institutions,” acknowledging that public vigilance will be a key component of “restoring honor and rebuilding respect to both houses of Congress.”

Drilon said that Filipinos, especially the younger generation, must take to heart their responsibility of guarding national freedom, especially when concerning realities in government. 

“I call on our people to renew our commitment to democracy. Let us revitalize our sense of nationhood with all of us thinking and acting as Filipinos, for Filipinos,” he said.