Top gov't officials lead Independence Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III graced the Independence Day celebration at the Liwasang Bonifacio while Vice President Jejomar Binay led the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Park on Wednesday.

Aquino raised the flag at 8:00 am before Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Emmanuel Bautista, outgoing Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino.

The Philippine Marines, meanwhile, honored Binay with a 21-gun salute following the simple five-minute ceremony attended by World War II veterans at the historic Rizal Park (formerly Luneta).

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte was replaced by Senator Gregorio Honasan at the Dambana ng Pinaglabanan in San Juan City to set afire a "freedom torch" with San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez before local officials, students and war veterans.

Senator Franklin Drilon also conducted Independence Day activities in Kawit, Cavite with Transportation and Communications secretary Emilio Abaya and some local officials, while Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. led the rites at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

The Philippine flag was first waved at the General Emilio Aguinaldo's balcony in Kawit, while proverbial Barasoain was the site of the First Philippine Republic.

Other Philippine monuments in Caloocan City and at Veteranos de la Revolucion in Manila dedicated to heroes who fought against Spanish colonialism were honored with flag raising ceremonies and activities.