Protesters interrupt Duterte’s Independence day speech

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the flag-raising ceremony during the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 2018. Joining the President are National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante and Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte was interrupted by a group of protesters while he was having his first Independence Day speech in Kawit, Cavite on Tuesday, June 12.

Before the President could even start his speech for the 120th celebration of Philippine Independence, members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog (Bayan-ST), shouted “Hunyo a-dose, huwad na Kalayaan (June 12, fake freedom),” Duterte, traydor (traitor),” and “Duterte, patalsikin (oust Duterte).”

Duterte momentarily stopped but went on by saying, “Hayaan mo lang (Let them be). It’s a freedom of speech. You can have it. Okay lang. I will understand.”

“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and free expression,” the Chief Executive said, asking law enforcement officers to deal with protesters “peacefully” and apply “maximum tolerance.”

While saying that Filipinos may not agree with each other all the time, the President noted that they still had a similarity.

“We may not understand each other but at least there is a common denominator and that is love of country. Nobody can ever question sa pagmamahal ko sa bayan (my love for the country),” he added.

“Why do you think? Ambition? It’s love of country and the love of the Caviteño kaya nandito ako. Mahal ko kayong lahat. Pati na ‘yung mga nag-protesta, mahal ko rin sila. Kung ayaw ninyong maniwala, basta ‘yon ang totoo (that is why I’m here. I love you all. Even the protestors, I love them too. If you do not want to believe me, it is up to you, but it is the truth),” he continued.

The President, at the beginning of his speech, apologized to the crowd for arriving late in the event.

“This is my first time to be with you at marami pong salamat sa okasyon na ito (thank you for this occasion). It’s a great honor.,” Duterte said.

Last year, Duterte was not able to attend the 119th Independence Day celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila because he was not feeling well. Vice President Leni Robredo led the rites on his behalf.