An opinion piece published by BusinessWorld on June 9, 2026, reflects on the 128th Philippine Independence Day, arguing that the country remains nominally free despite the absence of formal colonial rule. The author contends that true freedom extends beyond political sovereignty to include everyday rights and opportunities that many Filipinos still lack.
The article examines various 'unfreedoms' that persist in Philippine society, such as economic inequality, limited access to education and healthcare, and systemic corruption. These conditions, the author suggests, constrain individuals from achieving genuine autonomy and wellbeing, calling into question the nation's independence from internal and structural barriers.
Concluding on a call to action, the piece urges readers to challenge these everyday unfreedoms through civic engagement and collective effort. It emphasizes that true independence requires not only political liberation but also the active dismantling of inequalities that hinder full participation in society.