President Benigno Aquino III is returning the Independence Day spotlight to where freedom from Spanish rule was declared on June 12, 1898: Emilio Aguinaldo’s mansion in Kawit, Cavite. For the first time as President, Mr. Aquino leads today’s Independence Day celebration with ceremonies at the first Philippine President’s shrine.
During the past administration, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the June 12 celebration with ceremonies at Rizal Park in Manila. Then Vice President Noli de Castro and other officials were assigned to lead the ceremonies in Cavite and elsewhere. [ FULL STORY ]
