President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday stressed that the country’s history teaches Filipinos that true leaders sacrifice their own interests for the good of the people.

In his speech during the celebration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence at Quirino Grandstand, the President said only “real leaders can sacrifice their self-interests for the nation’s good.”

While Marcos Jr.’s Independence Day speech revolved around the need for modern day Filipinos to safeguard the country’s hard-earned freedom, his address also comes on the heels of a weeks-long power struggle in the Senate that saw Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian’s bloc seizing power from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano after his group refused to attend sessions following Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s arrest over non-bailable plunder charges.

The President also noted that Filipino revolutionaries were only able to free the country from foreign powers after mounting a united front against oppressive conquerors.

“Ang pag-aalsa sa Bohol, sa Piddig, Ilocos Norte, at sa Cavite ay senyales ng maigting na pagnanais ng ating mga ninuno na maging malaya subalit dahil sa pagkakahiwalay at kawalan ng iisang layunin, hindi sila nagtagumpay,” he said.

“Sa ilalim ng Katipunan, nagawa ni Gat Andres Bonifacio at ng mga Katipunero na pag-isahin ang bayan tungo sa isang adhikain at isang laban,” he said.

“Dito, ipinahayag natin sa buong mundo ang hangarin nating mamuhay bilang isang malaya at nagsasariling bansa,” he said.

Despite present-day challenges, Marcos said he remains optimistic that the Philippines would remain free not only from invaders, but also from corrupt practices and divisiveness.

“Sa bawat Pilipino, ito ang aking panawagan: Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas,” the President said.

Marcos delivered his speech at the Quirino Grandstand in front of government officials, diplomats and ordinary Filipinos. Loud cheers were clearly heard after the President acknowledged Gatchalian’s attendance, addressing the senator as Senate President Pro Tempore.

The President paused after hearing the cheers and chuckled before continuing with his speech.

Gatchalian’s group on June 3 mustered a quorum of 12 to install him as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President.

But Cayetano has maintained that he is still the Senate President until his replacement could be elected with 13 votes.

The leadership tussle in the Senate comes ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings in July.

Malacañang and the House of Representatives earlier said they recognized Gatchalian as the Senate leader.