Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said Renato Corona's ouster as Chief Justice was a testament that democracy was alive in the country.
"Pinatingkad nito ang diwa ng ating demokrasya," Aquino said in his Independence Day speech in Malolos, Bulacan (northeast of Manila) aired over Radyo Inquirer 990AM today.
Aquino said Corona's removal from office symbolised the administration's drive not to allow the Constitution be used by people who wanted it for greed and power.
This year's observance of Independence Day centered in the province, where Aquino led flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Barasoain Church.
The President laid the wreath in front of the monument of first Philippine President General Emilio Aguinaldo, the site of the establishment of the first Philippine republic and the venue of the drafting of the first constitution.
In his speech, Aquino indicated the importance of a constitution to a country and how the constitution has been his guide since he was still a congressman from Tarlac.
He expressed sadness that there are still people that look for ways go around the Constitution and once again, found an occasion to mention the recent impeachment and removal of Corona.
It's but proper, Aquino said that all Filipinos across the country should fully experience the celebration of Independence Day.
Aquino said next year's June 12 rites would be at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, and sites in the Visayas and Mindanao in years after.
Simultaneous flag raising and wreath laying rites were also conducted at the Rizal Park in Manila, Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, and at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. With reports from Norman Bordadora, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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