On Independence Day, Kenney says RP 'a special place'

By Michael Lim Ubac Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--On the eve of the 109th commemoration of Philippine independence from colonial rule, the United States ambassador said the country remained “very free.” “Happy independence,” Ambassador Kristie Kenney said. “This is a great country filled with wonderful people. We’re proud to celebrate independence amongst all of you. It’s clear, to all of us, (this is) a very special moment,” she said, adding that she “feels at home here.” Kenney said the country was on the correct path having chosen a democratic setup. “Now, we can all agree that sometimes democracy is not pretty, [but] it sure beats the heck out of the alternative,” she told reporters at Malacañang after the rites honoring slain US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell. “I have a great picture in my office … the Philippine flag going up and the American flag coming down. I think it’s a great symbol of the wonderful friendship we’ve always had,” Kenney said. The picture she was referring to was of the July 4, 1946 rites when the US formally gave the Philippines back its freedom. This took place at the Luneta in Manila. The Stars and Stripes was lowered as the Philippine flag was raised in its place. On Aug. 4, 1964, President Diosdado Macapagal, Ms Arroyo’s father, changed the date of Philippine independence to June 12, 1898, the date Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed freedom from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. Kenney enumerated the things Filipinos should be grateful for: “Filipinos are known throughout the world for their hospitality, their innovations, their services, their climbing Mount Everest, their cooking in the White House, their winning boxing matches, their hosting important international summits. “And if I can say on a personal note, I thank all of you. I feel at home here. I consider this my home now. And I know my colleagues would feel the same. That’s never been the case in other countries -- a special place,” she said.