^

Opinion

When did were ally get our Independence Day?

SHOOTING STRAIGHT - Bobit Avila - The Freeman

While today the nation celebrates the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the educated masses who graduated after World War II eventually realized that no matter how our politicians change our history, we can never change the fact that the Americans finally granted the Philippine archipelago its real Independence Day on July 4, 1946. So for all intents and purposes, we have only been independent for 72 years. I will never forget the years when we were members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps when on every July 4 we would hold Independence Day parades with ROTC troops from all schools attending.

But then, President Diosdado Macapagal, unhappy with the Americans, decided to restore the gallantry of General Emilio Aguinaldo, by giving him honor on the day he raised the Philippine Flag in his home in Kawit, Cavite. Eventually, people realized that every man's home is his castle and can raise any flag that he wishes to honor. But more importantly, when Aguinaldo raised the Philippine Flag in his home, there were no countries that recognized his efforts. Hence, Independence Day should have remained July 4, 1946. But then in this country, politicians can change the course of history by creating a law and that is why we are celebrating Independence Day today. I'm writing this piece so that our millennials would know what really happened in this country.

***

No doubt, Independence Day is a historical event for people to cherish. These days, there is an up and coming historical event about to unfold in the next couple of days. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived last Sunday in Singapore ahead of one of the most unusual and highly-anticipated summits in recent world history, so he can sit down with US President Donald Trump to settle issues that ended the Korean War which ended with an armistice.

There is so much hope that we can finally see the end of the Korean War that began in 1950. The North, many experts believe, stands on the brink of being able to target the entire US mainland with its nuclear missiles, and while there's deep skepticism that Kim will quickly give up those hard-earned nukes, there's also some hope that diplomacy can replace the animosity between the US and North Korea. In short, it is anyone's ball game, but certainly it brings the world closer to achieving world peace.

While admittedly, there's deep resentment or skepticism that Kim Jong Un will quickly give up those hard-earned nukes, there's also some hope that diplomacy can replace the animosity between the US and North Korea. This is a make or break chance for Trump who, from the start of his presidency, has been criticized by his colleagues.

However, I'm sure that Kim wants to get a positive note from all the world leaders, so in the end, he too hopes for a grant future for North Korea and it can only start when both North and South Koreans finally sign a peace agreement between the two nations. So the entire world is praying for positive decisions by Trump and Kim that they would bring peace to this part of the world.

***

The Province of Cebu has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways for zipper lanes on the two bridges so a similar incident a few weeks ago, which caused an 11-car pileup, will no longer shut down the bridges. However in my book, the Province of Cebu is already anticipating another pileup to occur in our two bridges. While I do not dispute their request, I would like them to support the idea that slow-moving vehicles should no longer be allowed to use the left lane of the bridge especially along the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Signs should be put up which would indicate where motorists should be allowed. If you are driving a multicab, then you have to stay on the right side of the bridge because the multicab's engine cannot go fast within the bridge. So too with other trucks, buses, and slow-moving vehicles.

[email protected].

vuukle comment

WORLD WAR II

Philstar
x
  • Latest
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with