AS the Philippines marks its 126th Independence Day, many Filipinos, myself included, are questioning whether we truly embody the ideals of independence and sovereignty. Under the current Philippine regime, do we genuinely reflect these principles amid the pervasive influence of the United States on our political landscape and foreign policy? Are we merely a proxy or pawn in the US-China geopolitical rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and beyond? Our struggle against the shadows of authoritarianism, the abuse of power and authority, rampant corruption and a foreign policy beholden to the United States raises significant doubts. Additionally, the suppression of freedom of expression, assembly and the press, coupled with a struggling economy, further challenges our claim to true freedom, independence and democracy as a nation in this post-modern age.

These questions deserve some form of introspection among the Filipino people, and all Filipinos from different walks of life must reflect on and ponder these realities. It's a moment for all Filipinos, regardless of their background, to deeply reflect on what independence, democracy and freedom truly mean in our current sociopolitical and economic context, and our relations with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.