Rappler's latest stories on independence day
[OPINION] U.S. Independence Day: Foundational freedoms for the future
'Friends help each other in times of need, or as I’ve heard here, the weight becomes lighter when we help each other – Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kapag nagtutulungan'

As U.S. struggles with virus, Trump heads to Rushmore for fireworks
(UPDATED) Donald Trump calls on supporters to defend America's 'integrity,' accusing protesters calling for racial justice of 'a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children'

Police block protesters in 'grand mañanita' rally on Independence day
Although hundreds of individuals manage to take part in the protest in UP Diliman, other protesters were barred from entering the campus

LISTEN: These Independence Day releases will inspire you to raise your voice
Celebrate – and protect – freedom to the tune of these new songs by Dicta License, Carousel Casualties, Zild Benitez, and Martin Riggs

Supporters of anti-terror bill in Cebu City allowed to rally on Independence Day
None of them were detained unlike the 8 individuals arrested for protesting in the University of the Philippines Cebu against the passage of the anti-terrorism bill a week ago

LISTEN: Ben&Ben releases full version of 'Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin' on Independence Day
'Para sa Pilipinas,' the band says on Twitter

Artists, celebs join Independence Day rallies online, in the streets
Janine Gutierrez and Mae Paner head to the ‘Grand Mañanita’ at UP Diliman, while Enchong Dee and Ebe Dancel join in Independence Day protest actions online

Japan Emperor, Xi Jinping convey Independence Day greetings to Duterte
Emperor Naruhito and Chinese President Xi Jinping relay their Independence Day greetings to the country through President Duterte

With impending anti-terror law, lawmakers urge Filipinos to guard freedoms
Opposition lawmakers say that the anti-terrorism bill, if passed, will kill freedoms

On Independence Day, Cayetano tells Filipinos 'freedom always comes at a price'
'It is right to be vigilant to abuses, but it is wrong to see a conspiracy behind every action of government,' says Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano

Best of #RP612fic memes: 2020 edition
Jose Rizal in a face mask, Katipuneros tearing their quarantine passes, Aling Marie leading the Philippine revolution are some of this year's #RP612fic entries

[OPINION] Independence in a time of terror
'Independence does not die. Not even when all freedom-fighters are murdered.'

WATCH: Aling Marie attends grand mañanita on Independence Day
She first gained popularity because of her viral video calling out President Duterte's diehard supporters

PTV apologizes after mistaking Emilio Aguinaldo for Andres Bonifacio
The state-run TV network airs a clip featuring a quick background on the Philippine Revolution led by Andres Bonifacio, but the screen instead shows a photo of Emilio Aguinaldo

Fearful but defiant: Independence Day rallies push through despite warnings
(UPDATED) The program at UP Diliman wraps up without any arrests
[OPINION | Artwork] Malayang Maria
Artist Zelina Baluyan says 'Malayang Maria' was 'formed from sleepless nights of fear and uncertainty'

Never again, vow Filipino journalists on Independence Day
At least 30 groups and close to a 100 journalists sign a joint statement to 'renew our pledge to serve the people, to continue speaking truth to power, and to guard and defend freedom of the press and of expression from all threats'

16 students arrested in Iligan City during Independence day protest
(3rd UPDATE) Kabataan Partylist Northern Mindanao says the protesters were arrested around 10 am on Friday

'Ang duyan ng magigiting': Mensahe ni VP Robredo sa Araw ng Kalayaan 2020
'Walang kalayaan ang isa kung walang kalayaan ang lahat... Ang tunay na kalayaan ay kalayaan para sa kapwa'

Robredo on fight for freedom: Resist, because a threat to one is a threat to us all
'Sa mga pagkakataong may banta sa kalayaan ng isa, kailangang lahat tayo pumalag dahil ang tunay na binabantaan ay ang kalayaan ng lahat,' Vice President Leni Robredo says on Independence Day

Duterte on Independence Day: Use courage of heroes to battle COVID-19
Air Force helicopters drop confetti and flowers over Rizal Park to commemorate the heroism of medical frontliners during the pandemic

Gamboa calls for end to ‘anomalies’ in PNP on Independence Day
'Iwaksi ang mga ma-anomalyang gawain dahil tayo ang pangunahing kagawaran na nagpapatupad ng batas,' says Philippine National Police chief General Archie Gamboa
Independence Day 2020: Gov’t rites, freedom protests in the time of physical distancing
President Duterte is in his home city of Davao, while students and sectoral groups will mount protest rallies and motorcades in key cities across the country on June 12

On eve of Independence Day protests, DOJ says rallies 'temporarily banned'
Is it legal to ban rallies during quarantine?
June 12 is 'freedom from COVID-19' for Iloilo's events industry
The newly-formed Iloilo Live Events Alliance will present 'Go Live to Live' on Philippine Independence Day, a fundraiser for the benefit of members of the Iloilo live events industry who have been hard-hit by the pandemic

Share the #StoryOfTheNation: What does freedom mean to you?
Tell us the #StoryOfTheNation through photos or videos!

LIST: 'Grand mañanita' and other Independence Day 2020 activities
(UPDATED) Groups will take to the streets on Friday, June 12, to protest – inspired by the widely criticized mañanita for the Metro Manila police chief

Trump celebrates U.S. might, avoids politics in Independence Day speech
In a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribes a singular greatness to the US, declaring it 'the most exceptional nation in the history of the world'

Trump, producer-president, makes July 4th his own show
The US commander-in-chief and erstwhile Manhattan showman plans to tear up another norm, critics say, by hijacking traditionally non-partisan Independence Day as he seeks re-election

DepEd hails Filipino heroism in art exhibit
'We can be living heroes: serving our country, serving our people, taking risks – it’s not the glory, it’s not the money, it’s not wealth, says Education Secretary Leonor Brioner as DepEd unveils the 'Bayani, sa Lupain ng Ginto't Bulaklak' exhibit

WATCH: Burj Khalifa lit in Philippine colors for Independence Day
The world's tallest building in Dubai takes on the colors of the Philippine flag to mark the 121st Philippine Independence Day

Briones urges teachers to include local heroes in history lessons
In a speech in Lapu-Lapu City, the education secretary says Visayans also fought for Philippine independence

Duterte pays tribute to patriots during Independence Day rites in Lanao del Sur
'Today, let us pay tribute to our patriots – both from the past and the present – by safeguarding the democratic institutions that were built from the rubble of the wars that gave rise to our heroes,' says President Rodrigo Duterte

Filipinos on Independence Day 2019: 'We’re far from free'
Are we – as individuals, as a people, and as a nation – truly free? Netizens don't seem to think so.

IN PHOTOS: How Poblacion in Makati celebrated Independence Day 2019
Folk dances, lechon, OPM bands, and the determination to have a good time – Repoblacion 2019 was as Filipino as it got

On Independence Day, mother who lost son to Oplan Tokhang calls for 'true freedom'
A woman who lost her son due to 'Oplan Tokhang' chooses to head to the streets and protest on Independence Day

IN PHOTOS: Celebrations, protests mark Independence Day 2019
Government officials proudly raise the Philippine flag in celebration of 121 years of independence, while protesters angrily lift their placards to call for 'true freedom' in the country
LOOK: PH Coast Guard displays assets on Independence Day
The display comes as the Philippines struggles to secure its territorial waters from China's expansive claims

Using #RP612fic, netizens imagine Philippine heroes on social media
Filipinos use jokes and memes to visualize Philippine historical figures in modern or alternative settings

LOOK: Google Doodle for Philippine Independence Day
Check out the Doodle for the 121st Philippine Independence Day!
Robredo to Filipinos: It's our duty to ensure a 'free, just, humane' society
'Nawa'y pukawin ng pagdiriwang na ito ang isang malalim na pagmamahal para sa bayan,' says Vice President Leni Robredo on Independence Day

Duterte hopes for 'truly independent' Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte will commemorate Independence Day with soldiers in Malabang, Lanao del Sur

LIST: 2019 Independence Day rallies
Groups will stage protests in various parts of Metro Manila to commemorate the country's 121st Independence Day

Small but significant ways you can fight for freedom
Let the Independence Day be a reminder to fight for your freedom at home, in school, and at work

LOOK: Jollibee Funko Pop wears a barong for Independence Day 2019
Jollibee now sports a Barong Tagalog!

Celebrate Independence Day with a Filipino film marathon at Cinema Centenario
Grab your friends and save the date!

3 U.S. carrier visits to Philippines show America cares – envoy
The carrier visits show 'we care about developments in the South China Sea,' says US Ambassador Sung Kim as America celebrates its 242nd Independence Day

The week in photos: June 9-15, 2018
This week's selection of photo highlights here and around the world

Sereno and the opposition, Trump-Kim summit, PH weather | Midday wRap
Watch the midday newscast with Mara Cepeda

IN PHOTOS: 'Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral' cast join Independence day 2018 parade
Paulo Avelino and Mon Confiado lead the parade at the Rizal Park
