Chief justice Peralta honors COVID-19 frontliners on Independence Day

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta honored frontliners against COVID-19 as the country celebrated its 122nd Independence Day from Spanish rule on Friday.

"Habang ginugunita natin ang kagitingan ng ating mga bayani na nag-alay ng kanilang karunungan at nagbuwis ng mga buhay upang ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan at kasarinlan, nararapat din na bigyan natin ng pagpupugay ang ating mga bagong bayani – ang ating mga frontliners na buong tapang na hinaharap ang banta ng sakit upang makapagsilbi sa kapwa," Peralta said.

He called on Filipinos to practice "bayanihan" and to show concern for others in the time of crisis.

"Tayo ay magkaisa upang mapagtagumpayan ang laban sa gitna ng mga hamon tungo sa isang malayang pamumuhay at malusog na sambayanan," the chief justice said.

He also mentioned efforts of the judiciary to continue its service, including videoconferencing hearings, online filing of cases and posting of bail, and the release of qualified detainees. He said lines of communication to the courts remain open.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier urged Filipinos to "move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic."

"As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of our past," he said.

Philippine health authorities have recorded 24,175 COVID-19 cases, 5,165 recoveries, and 1,036 deaths in the country as of Thursday.

Independence Day on Friday was marked with a number of protests, online and offline, in which protesters expressed their sentiments about the government's COVID-19 response, the anti-terrorism bill, and China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea represented Duterte at the Independence Day rites held in Rizal Park. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News