Catriona Gray took to social media to mark Philippine Independence Day on Friday, June 12.
In an Instagram post, the Miss Universe 2018 said that despite its flaws, Filipinos continue to choose to love the Philippines and remain hopeful for a better future.
"Nakakapagod minsan. Nakakadismaya rin. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, pinipili pa rin nating mahalin ang Pilipinas. Hindi dahil wala siyang pagkukulang, kundi dahil naniniwala tayong kaya pa nating maging mas mabuti bilang bansa," she said.
She also shared her hopes for the future beyond the annual celebration of Independence Day.
"Sana dumating ang panahon na ang kalayaan ay hindi lang ipinagdiriwang tuwing June 12, kundi nararamdaman ng bawat Pilipino - malaya sa gutom, takot, at kawalang hustisya. Hanggang doon, tuloy lang. Tuloy ang pag-asa. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan, Pilipinas," she stated.
Back in November 2025, Catriona delivered a speech during an anti-corruption rally held at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
During her address, the former Miss Universe spoke about the impact of corruption on the lives of ordinary Filipinos, saying it deprives communities of essential services and opportunities.
"Today we stand here us Filipinos who are tired. Tired of watching [how] corruption steals food from our tables, steals medicines from our hospitals, classrooms from our children, and safety from our communities. We have watched our families flooded again and again with the public funds that were meant to protect them are pocketed. Billions of pesos disappeared without accountability, without justice, without answers," she remarked.
Catriona added that corruption has become deeply embedded in the country's systems and must be defeated collectively. "Obviously this is a system built to benefit the corrupt few and every time we stay quiet, corruption wins. And when corruption wins, 'yung mga nakaupo lang ang nananalo. Sila lang ang nabubusog, sila ang nakakauwi sa mga mansion sa America. Sila ang nakakabili ng designer bags habang ang taong bayan lumulubog sa baha, sa utang, at sa kahirapan," she pointed out.
She also called on government institutions to take decisive action and pursue accountability. "That's why today we demand action! To the ombudsman, file the cases now! To the senators, suspend the senators implicated. And to the congtress, pass the anti-political dynasty bill because power should not be inherited, it should be earned through service of the people," she stated.