Today as we celebrate our country's independence, I decided to write an article about it.
This year we are celebrating the 123 years of Independence since we have been freed from the hands of our colonizers. As we enjoy our so-called "Freedom", does it ever came to your mind the question, "Am I really free?" "Have I really gained independence?"
Independence for me has a lot of meaning: To be free from the hands of the colonizers, To live freely without fear, and To live life according to my preference.
So, what are the factors that affect our freedom?
Other countries lurking around our territories
Extrajudicial killings
Homophobic people
Rapists and other bad individuals
Corrupt politicians
Other Countries Lurking Around Our Territories
There have been sightings of Chinese fishing vessels in the West Philippine Sea. This is very alarming since they are entering our territory. I personally think that this is an act of no respect to our country. Since there have been many times that these issues have been brought up to the United Nations and have been discussed.
If these acts would still continue, then we are no longer safe in our own country. And to think that we are "friends" with China, why would they do it? Like repeatedly do it? President Rodrigo Duterte has been always saying that we are "friends" with them.
Keeping good relationships with other countries especially the neighboring ones is essentially good, but, we should still keep our boundaries from them. They should learn to pay respect to our territories and not violate our laws.
With these kinds of acts towards our country, do you still feel safe?
Extrajudicial Killings, Corrupt Politicians, Rapists, and other bad individuals
Lately, there have been numerous killings that are happening. Most of the victims are innocent.
Media reporters, Activists, Normal Citizens, etc. These people were killed by oppressors. Because they don't want them to speak up.
I know most of us now are afraid to speak up regarding these issues due to the threats that are going to arise and sometimes death. These bad individuals would resort to the idea of just killing the people so that no one will ever know what they are doing.
Walking down the streets is just dangerous as being hit by a car in the middle of the road. Snatchers and rapists are all over the place. They would target women that are walking all by themselves.
I have this experience where I was sexually violated by another guy and it was traumatizing. Having to keep that in my mind always hunts me. I can't stop thinking of the safety of the people around me.
Because of these injustices, we can't even roam around freely. There's fear that always exists in us.
Homophobic Individuals
Some of us do not have the privilege to express ourselves. To express our identity. Homophobic family members and religion are two of the many reasons why some of us cannot freely act according to our identity.
Yesterday, it was reported that there have been barbaric acts towards members of the LGBT+ Community. It says there that being a lesbian is against their religion.
They shouldn't have done these barbaric acts to these beautiful people. If they could've just let them live their own lives.
On a final note...
We can make these things disappear if we would vote for the right people that have an understanding and listens to the outcry of their countrymen. And maybe just maybe we can achieve the freedom that we truly deserve.
#HappyIndependenceDayPH #AtinAngPinas
Fin.
Other articles:
https://read.cash/@WanderingMedStudent/an-overview-of-my-life-wanderingmedstudent-bf324dc9
https://read.cash/@WanderingMedStudent/reintroducing-myself-14904227
https://read.cash/@WanderingMedStudent/i-cannot-live-without-my-grandmother-234e41c4
https://read.cash/@WanderingMedStudent/pride-month-a-protest-for-equality-56a69a60
https://read.cash/@WanderingMedStudent/what-it-is-like-to-study-in-the-middle-of-a-pandemic-e38f4b9e
Image references:
I think I have heard it from Gov. Chiz Escudero, he says that the only time where we are all the same is during elections where all of us have only one vote.
it's our privilege. I really hope that our fellow Filipinos will use it well. Vote for those people who really have a heart and pure intention in serving the country. All will be well, in time. I won't lose hope for that. :)