Volume 3, Issue 3 May-June 2008

Caucus Chronicle EMBASSY EMBASSY PHILIPPINE

Newsletter published by the Philippine Embassy for the members of the -US Congressional Friendship Caucus

President Arroyo to meet President Bush, Congressional leaders Inside this issue: President Gloria Macapagal- engagements include meet- Balanced budget 2 Arroyo will be in the United ings with Filipino communi- States for a week-long visit to ties, Filipino World War II Ambassador’s Corner 3 further strengthen the historic veterans and American busi- ties between the Philippines ness groups. Caucus Members in 3 Focus and the US. She will also hold a series of The President, accompanied meetings on a wide range of Independence Day Mes- 4 by First Gentleman Miguel issues including the environ- sages Arroyo, will take a commer- ment, security, human rights, Independence Day : 6 cial flight to San Francisco, and other global concerns. Photo Spread California, the first stop of From San Francisco, the President Arroyo shakes hands with Philippine Machine 8 her US visit. President will proceed to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita Readable Passport before boarding her plane for her Also with the presidential Fresno, California, to hear week-long visit to the US. Gaa welcomes clarifica- 9 party will be some Cabinet mass and interact with the tion on vets bill issue officials, lawmakers and top Filipino community before The President’s second stop Clarification Statement 10 Filipino business leaders. proceeding to Washington is Washington D.C. where of Sen. Akaka The Chief Executive’s US D.C. she will meet with (p.9 pls.)

RP UPDATES MCC compact development team visits Philippines • Revenue collections up by 17.9% in the first On 16 May 2008, President Hewko, US Agency for Inter- four months of the year Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met national Development Mission • RP readies comprehen- with the Millennium Chal- Director Jon Lindborg, Larry sive proposal on MCC lenge Corporation (MCC) Memmott, MCC Deputy Vice compact eligibility Compact Team and thanked President Darius Teter, MCC • Gov't releases P91.28- them for validating the Philip- Operations Department Coun- B for 3.77-M microfi- pine government’s efforts to try Director Darius Nassiry nance borrowers invest in people, fight corrup- and MCC Country Relations • Jobs generation target tion and encourage economic Director Jerry Dutkewych. of 3-million by 2010 freedom. President Arroyo with Compact They were accompanied to on track The MCC team was composed Development Department Vice Malacañan by US Ambassa- • RP to start producing President John Hewko, shortly of Compact Development De- before their consultations at the dor to the Philippines Kristie 10% of its oil need partment Vice President John Presidential Palace in Kenney. (p.2 pls) • Overseas dollar remittances to surpass ‘08 $15B mark Free Aung San Suu Kyi - Arroyo • 1 billion peso loan program for students Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesper- house arrest for years, is the recognized launched son Ignacio R. Bunye in a statement yester- leader of the opposition party in Myanmar, • Exxon Mobil Plans day said, “The Philippines regrets the deci- the old Burma. $100M Philippines sion of the Government of Myanmar to ex- “Concrete steps are needed to enhance the Investment tend, once again, the house arrest of Aung credibility of Myanmar's Roadmap to De- • 99 percent of strike San Suu Kyi.” mocracy, that includes the release of political notices in first 5 months resolved Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under prisoners,” Secretary Bunye (p.8 pls)

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Balanced budget, no new taxes, infrastructure buildup President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thus achieve its goal of a balanced said on 27 May 2008 that her admini- budget. stration’s goal of balancing the budget She said that government’s budget sur- remains a top priority despite the hefty plus in April was ''more than double increases in government spending on year on year'' due to increased revenue infrastructure projects that are badly collections, while the cumulative budget needed to accelerate the country’s de- deficit from January to April fell to velopment. P25.8 billion. This overarching goal of a balanced ''I am confident we will be able to sus- budget is attainable without imposing tain progress on the budget front,'' she new taxes, she said in her speech at the stressed. launching of the $550-million Asian The President said the tough economic American Gateway fiber optic cable President Arroyo signs the reforms she initiated have improved the system in Barangay Baccuit, Bauang, "Partnership Buoy" inaugurating the country's fiscal standing tremendously. Philippine leg of the $550-million, La Union.''For the first time in genera- 20,000 kilometer Asia-America ''We are both comfortable and confident tions our budget is under control; we Gateway (AAG) fiber cable network that our discipline will allow us to con- are lowering our deficit and raising project on 27 May 2008 at Barangay tinue on a balanced path of targeted Baccuit in Bauang, La Union. unprecedented amounts of revenue. We investment and overall restraint. Bal- do not want to and will not go back to the days of heavy ancing the budget remains a very important priority that deficit spending. Our commitment to economic reform will not be abandoned. We will do this while also in- has proven effective,'' she said. vesting in much-needed infrastructure and social ser- The President pointed out that with the support of the vices,'' she said. She added there is no need to introduce private sector in the implementation of infrastructure new taxes, and instead tax administration would be en- projects, the government could save its resources and hanced to sustain the increase in revenue collection.

MCC compact development team . . . from p.1 In his report last March, MCC chief invest in our people, fight corruption adding that the Philippines’ proposal executive officer (CEO) John and encourage economic freedom. would focus on food, infrastructure, Danilovich congratulated the gov- These are the hallmarks of my ad- education and health. ernment of the Philippines for “its ministration, and I am absolutely Teves expressed optimism that the demonstrated commitment to tack- thrilled to be so recognized for con- Philippines could break the record of ling difficult challenges and improv- sideration by this prestigious and El Salvador which took 12 months ing the lives of its people.” serious-minded corporation of the to complete.“There is no minimum “While eligibility is an essential first US government.” or maximum (grant amount) for step towards a poverty reduction The MCC Compact is a large-scale each country…” Hewko said, adding grant from the MCC, selection does grant funding based on independent that the amount would depend on the not guarantee funding. The Philip- indicators that measure good gov- project proposals of the eligible pines, like all other countries eligible ernance, the country’s investments country. for the compact, must maintain its in its people and policies that en- The MCC was established in Janu- performance on the MCC selection courage economic freedom. ary 2004, based on the “principle criteria and must now begin a broad- Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, that aid is most effective when it based consultative process with its who was in Malacanan this morning, reinforces good governance, eco- people to develop a proposal that said the MCC team’s visit was to nomic freedom and investments in addresses the country’s barriers to “find out the progress of our efforts people.” poverty reduction and economic in preparing ourselves to meet the MCC’s mission is to reduce global growth. As partners, we agree that requirements of the MCC Compact.” poverty through the promotion of ending corruption and finding long- “Hopefully, we would be eligible to sustainable economic growth. The term ways to reduce poverty are ur- reach the MCC Compact status and MCC was established by US Presi- gent priorities that deserve our full that we would eventually be granted dent George W. Bush at the turn of attention,” Danilovich said. full support,” he added. the millennium to "reward countries When it came out last March, the Teves also said the grant of the that govern well." President hailed the MCC report as a MCC Compact status to the Philip- “remarkable validation of the efforts pines would depend on how good of our government and nation to the proposals of the government are,

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Caucus Members in Focus Ambassador’s Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" States Congress. Corner Scott began serving his eighth term as Rep. Scott currently serves on the a Member of Congress on January 4, House Committee on the Judiciary, 2007. Rep. Scott also served in the where he is the Chairman of the Sub- Virginia House of Delegates from committee on Crime, Terrorism and 1978 to 1983 and in the Senate of Vir- Homeland Security. Rep. Scott also ginia from 1983 to 1993. serves on the House Committee on During his 15-year tenure in the Vir- Education and Labor and the House ginia General Assembly, Rep. Scott Committee on the Budget. successfully sponsored laws In his 15 years in Congress, that are critical to Virginians Rep. Scott has become known in healthcare, education, em- as a champion of the U.S. ployment, economic develop- Constitution and the Bill of ment, crime prevention, social Rights, fighting to protect the services and consumer protec- rights and civil liberties of all This June, we marked our 110th year as an tion. Americans. independent nation. In November 1992, Rep. Scott Rep. Scott was born on April This is a cause of much celebration, as can was elected to the U.S. House 30, 1947 in Washington, D.C. be seen from the photo spread in this issue. of Representatives. Through this elec- and grew up in Newport News, Vir- This year, June will be of added signifi- tion, Rep. Scott made history by be- ginia. He is a graduate of Harvard cance with the working visit of H.E. Presi- coming the first African American University and Boston College Law dent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the elected to Congress from Virginia School. After graduating from law United States. President Arroyo will be since Reconstruction and only the sec- school, he returned to Newport News meeting with President Bush as well as the ond African American elected to Con- and practiced law from 1973 to 1991. leaders of both Houses of Congress. gress in Virginia’s history. Having a He received an honorable discharge for She will thank the Senate for their historic maternal grandfather of Filipino ances- his service in the Massachusetts Na- vote on S.1315, the Veterans Benefit Act try also gives Rep. Scott the distinction tional Guard and the United States and call on the House to complete its work of being the first American with Fili- Army Reserve. and pass the bill. pino heritage to serve in the United The relations between the Philippines and the United States are deep and profound. We have fought common enemies and con- Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. partisan program that successfully reg- quered shared challenges. began service in the United States istered millions of new voters. He also We stand on the frontiers of a new more House of Representatives on December created a voter education program to vigorous relationship and I believe the 12, 1995, as he was sworn in as a mem- teach citizens the importance of partici- grant of MCC Compact Eligible status to ber of the 104th Congress, the 91st Af- pating in the political process, including the Philippines is an important marker as rican American ever elected to Con- how to use technology to win elections we chart our future course. gress. and more effectively participate in poli- Representative Jackson currently sits on tics. We must forge ahead and look to the future the House Appropriations Committee, In 1987, Representative Jackson gradu- while honoring the past. serving as the 5th ranking De- ated magna cum laude from There is no greater way for us to honor our mocrat on the Subcommittee North Carolina A & T State past than giving Filipino WW II veterans on Labor, Health and Human University in Greensboro, the justice, recognition and benefits that Services, and Education as North Carolina, where he they so truly deserve. well as the 2nd ranking De- earned a Bachelor of Science The Philippine Embassy and all its officers mocrat on the Subcommittee Degree in Business Manage- and staff have made it a priority to finally on Foreign Operations, Export ment. Three years later, he end the long quest for justice by our World Financing, and Related Pro- earned a Master of Arts De- War II veterans. grams. gree in Theology from the Our friends in Congress continue to pursue His leadership created the National Chicago Theological Seminary, and in this just cause. Center on Minority Health and Health 1993, received his Juris Doctorate from The large Filipino-American community in Disparities at the National Institutes of the University of Illinois College of America is united in seeing that justice is Health in 2001, hailed by many minor- Law. He has also been awarded honor- done. ity health experts as the most important ary doctorate degrees from the Chicago Our World War II veterans are the living civil rights legislation since the 1964 Theological Seminary, Governors State symbols of the liberties and freedoms we Civil Rights Act. University, North Carolina A & T State now enjoy. Prior to his congressional service, Rep- University, Charles R. Drew Univ. of Their quest has been long and difficult. resentative Jackson served as the Na- Medicine and Science, Meharry Medi- Many are old, frail and sick. tional Field Director of the National cal College and Morehouse School of Let us correct a grave injustice and give Rainbow Coalition. Medicine. these old, brave soldiers one final victory. In this role, he instituted a national non-

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Independence Day Messages MY FELLOW FILIPINOS and friends of the Philip- We are delivering investments in three critical areas, pines – Mabuhay! I greet you from the grand hall of what we call the three “Es,” namely: the Economy, the the Malacañan Palace Museum on this 110th Anniver- Environment and Education. These issues are central sary of our Declaration of Independence. to lifting our nation up and getting it ready for the next A century and a decade ago today, our revolutionary generation of leaders. forefathers braved superior arms and the privations of The results of our efforts come none too soon. There war to break the chains of co- are global clouds on the hori- lonialism and stand proud zon that are driving up the among the free nations of the price of oil and food, particu- world, Asia’s first republic. larly rice. Thankfully, we are Today, as we celebrate with now in a vastly improved po- pride the historic moment, we sition to weather this storm take stock of what we as a than at any other time in re- nation have achieved with cent memory. unity, audacity, sacrifice and Our people are enterprising patriotism, and we look for- and welcomed everywhere, as ward with hope, to what we quick learners and hardwork- shall claim for our national ers who are also generous of future. spirit to strangers and friends Our vision is based on a alike. As our countrymen and strong and growing economy. President Arroyo leads the flag-raising ceremony women build successful ca- It is the central pillar we have during the celebration of the 110th Philippine In- reers and prosperous lives all labored to create to help guar- dependence Day on 1 June at the Rizal Park, Ma- over the world, foreign inves- antee peace, order and stabil- nila. Assisting the President (from right) are: Sec- tors and travelers flock to our retary Jesli Lapuz of the Department of Education; ity in our country. Our labor Cong. Amado Bagatsing, 5th District of Manila; islands eager to harness Fili- is paying off: last year we Bienvenido Abante, 6th District of Manila; Mayor pino talent, enjoy Filipino had the strongest economy in Alfredo Lim of Manila, MMDA Chairman Bayani hospitality, and marvel at the over 30 years, investments Fernando, and Cong. Mary Anne Susano of Que- beauty and grandeur of 7,108 are surging and we are close zon City, 2nd District. (OPS-NIB Photo) magnificent Philippine is- to balancing our budget. lands. Our archipelago shel- True to our heritage of freedom, ters us all – Filipinos, foreigners, we staunchly protect and and compatriots across the world strengthen the vibrant democracy warmed by memories of your that we have restored twenty-two homeland. years ago. Our political discourse With solidarity, sacrifice and sin- is vibrant, our press is free, our gular purpose, our heroes brought constitution shelters all who seek forth a new nation. With the same its protection and embrace the love of country binding all Filipi- rule of law. nos, we too shall achieve for the We have tackled our unfortunate Philippines and all its peoples the legacy of political violence blessings of freedom, justice and whether it is in the Philippines or progress, and our esteemed place President Arroyo and Papal Nuncio to the Phil- abroad with foreign leaders and ippines Most Reverend Edward Joseph Ad- among the great nations of the human rights organizations. We ams raise their glasses in a toast during the 12 world. have met with a lot of success June Independence Day Vin d' Honneur at We remain bullish on our coun- since the formation of what was Malacañan's Rizal Hall. The Papal Nuncio try, optimistic about our future to become the Melo Commission. serves as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. and deeply committed to being a (OPS-NIB Photo) Extrajudicial killings are down force for good. and prosecutions are up. We will not be satisfied until In this march to our collective tomorrow I ask all of we are at zero, but we are making progress. you to join as one – for our motherland, for our fami- We have made tough and politically unpopular deci- lies, and for the generations to come. sions to raise revenues and crack down on smugglers so Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! that we could invest in our physical infrastructure and in our people. H.E. GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO President of the Philippines

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WITH GREAT PRIDE and a renewed sense of pur- and more secure from the scourges of poverty, strife, pose, the Filipino nation commemorates the 110th An- and environmental degradation. niversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independ- This year’s theme of our Independence celebrations -- ence. “Republic Service, Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at We Filipinos stand today as one country – proud of our Kaunlaran”— is a clarion call for all our stakeholders freedoms, vigilant of our rights, and dedicated to to renew and to reinvigorate our collective efforts to- strengthening to the fullest extent our democratic insti- ward nation building, social transformation, and eco- tutions and processes. nomic development. Our heroic forebears we remember with This year’s celebrations recall to us our na- gratitude and reverence. Their liberation tional history’s greatest lesson: that when- ideas, their patriotic principles, and their ever we Filipinos act with common purpose sacrifices on the altar of our freedom re- and a unity of vision, we are able to achieve main the strong and stable foundations of great things. our nation. On this joyful national occasion, the De- Our collective experiences continue to ani- partment of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its mate a national spirit resilient in the face of determination to fulfill its mandate of har- every obstacle; unbounded in its vision of nessing diplomacy for the protection, pres- the common good, and eager to serve the ervation, and promotion of our national in- nation’s highest ideals. terests in a free, stable and prosperous Guided by a profound respect for democratic values, world. we continue resolutely to chart our national course to- Collectively and individually, we in the DFA rededi- ward more lasting peace, more equitable development, cate ourselves to our overriding objective: Service to and greater prosperity that leaves no one behind. the Filipino at home and to the global Filipino overseas. As one people, we remain committed to overcoming Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang Sambayanag Pilipino! the challenges and seizing the opportunities put to every nation by our globalizing world. ALBERTO G. ROMULO As a responsible member of the international commu- Secretary of Foreign Affairs nity, we continue to do our part to create a world safer

OUR CELEBRATION of the 110th anniversary of the This emphasizes the confidence of the United States in birth of our country as a sovereign nation comes at our country and in the ability of our people and our time of great promise and challenge. leaders to fight poverty and create sustainable growth. Our economy is surging forward, expanding at 7.3 per As we move forward as a nation, there will be differ- cent last year, the highest in 21 years, with the services ences in opinions and concerns. sector at the forefront. But because of our deeply our deeply rooted democ- Our currency remains strong. Foreign invest- ratic traditions, we will continue to debate ments continue to come in. The property our differences peacefully and with respect. sector is on the upswing. Combined with the We will remain united in the pursuit of increased remittance of overseas Filipinos, greater good for our people. I am confident especially from those in the United States, that, together, we can do even more. these investments have created 7 million The theme for this year’s Philippine Inde- jobs in 7 years. pendence Day celebrations of “Republic Ser- Our economic turnaround has also partly vice, Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at insulated it from the runaway prices of en- Kaunlaran” (Towards Meaningful Freedom ergy, oil and gasoline. and Progress) is a call to action to do more But as external factors continue to down- for our people. slide, the challenge for us is maintain the momentum of Working hand and hand, we can meet the challenge of our economic growth and to vigilantly use it as a strong bringing our nation to achieve more progress and de- shield in warding off the adverse effects of external velopment. economic slowdown. Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! We opened a new frontier in our long and enduring Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! relationship with the United States last March when the Millennium Challenge Corporation granted the Philip- WILLY C. GAA pines Compact Eligibility Status. Ambassador

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Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the United States Celebrate the 110th Year of Philippine Independence

WASHINGTON DC

Philippine Embassy officials, personnel and their families Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Former US Ambassador to the Philip- with the Filipino American community at the Philippine Fair a former US ambassador to the Philippines, pines, Francis Ricciardone with Am- and Parade, 1 June 2008 along Pennsylvania Avenue joins Ambassador Gaa in a toast during the bassador and Mrs. Gaa at the official between 3rd and 6th Streets, to kick off the month long Independence Day Vin d’Honneur at the residence during the Independence celebration of Philippine Independence Day. The Fair and ambassador’s official residence, 12 June 08. Day Vin d’Honneur. Parade is an annual event organized by the Philippine Festival Committee. NEW YORK CITY

Consul General Cecille Rebong and UN Perma- One of the many, colorful floats at the Philippine The officers and staff of the Philippine nent Representative Hilario Davide (center) lead Independence Day Parade in Mid-town Manhattan. Consulate General as they prepare to take the flag raising ceremony at the Philippine Center. a lead position at the Philippine Independ- ence Day Parade. CHICAGO

The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate Photo shows Mayor Richard M. Daley present- Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and the Filipino community ing to Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera the General in Chicago, members of the Consular during the flag raising ceremony. Proclamation declaring June 12, 2008 as Phil- Corps, Fil-Am community leaders and Fil-Am ippine Independence Day in Chicago. Media watching the video of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

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SAN FRANCISCO

Filipino WWII veterans and their families Consul General and Mrs. Marciano Paynor Jr.(right), Consul General and Mrs. Marciano Paynor Jr. at the Consulate General to celebrate lead in celebrating Philippine Independence Day. welcoming a Filipino WW II veteran. Philippine Independence Day.

LOS ANGELES HONOLULU

The Filipino-American community marked the Consul General Abadilla assisted by M/Sgt L-R) Mr. Alex Sotelo, Manager of Island Art 110th anniversary of Philippine Independence with Ismael Ruiz of the Philippine Army, raise Galleries; Miss Lovely Orsino; Consul Gen- a grand ball held at the Marriott Hotel Convention the Philippine flag together with members of eral Abadilla; Miss Jerryca Gasmen; Miss Center on Saturday, June 14, with Philippine Con- the Filipino-American Veterans association Crystel Acido; Mr. Jay Cayuca, Violinist; sul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon as guest of in Hawaii. and Mr. Jeffrey Liu, Owner of Island Art honor (2nd from right) (AsianJournalOnline) Galleries. The painting “Planting Rice” in the background is by Philippine National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. AGANA, GUAM

From left, Chief Justice Robert Torres, Mary Tor- Acting Lt. Gov. Rory Respicio, left, with acting From left, Philippine Consul General Bayani res, Emelio Uy, FCG President Rene Quintans, Gov. Tina Muna-Barnes and Philippine Con- Mercado, Dan Romulo, Marie Cummings, Tess Quintans, Consul General Bayani Mercado, sul General Bayani S. Mercado, raise their Rene Quintans and Ben Degayo pay tribute to Gilda Espaldon, U.S. Navy Capt. Noel Enriquez, glasses in a toast during the Vin d’ Honneur, Apolinario Mabini June 15. (Photo by Jona- Sen. Jim Espaldon, Attorney General Alicia Lim- one of the events held in celebration of the than Abella/For Bayanihan) tiaco are pictured at the Philippine Independence 110th anniversary of Philippine independ- Ball June 13. (Jonathan Abella/For Bayanihan) ence. The event occurred June 12 at the La Brasserie restaurant in the Holiday Resort and Spa. (Jonathan Abella/For Bayanihan)

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Philippines adopts machine readable passports 30 May 2008 – Ambassador Willy C. ments and the process. Gaa today welcomed the implementa- A Machine Readable Passport (MRP) is tion of the Machine Readable Passport a passport where the personal details of The Filipino traveler will Program, saying that the adoption of the applicant is printed in such a way gain much out of the new modern technology will greatly benefit that it can be read by the naked eye and Machine Readable Passport. The adoption of Philippine passport holders. at the same time, it contains a “machine machine readable “The Filipino traveler will gain much readable zone” containing the personal technology will make the out of the new Machine Readable Pass- data of the passport holder that can be passport more secure.

port,” Ambassador Gaa said, adding read by a machine or computer. Willy C. Gaa “The adoption of machine readable The processing of travelers through Ambassador technology will make the passport more ports of entry and exit is faster because secure”. the data in the MRP can be read by a This new passport now complies with machine and stored automatically in the international standards and conventions, database of immigration offices. he said. This means greater convenience and According to Ambassador Gaa, the se- security for the traveler. curity features of the new machine The cover of the new MRP is now ma- readable passport “will go a long way roon and consists of 44 pages. The towards protecting the identity of its MRP has the following security fea- holder.” He added that this will prevent tures: watermarked paper, colored UV passport fraud. fibers, UV reactive inks, special de- “Passport fraud victimizes Filipino trav- signs, microtexts, laser perforated num- elers, or at the very least, make their bers, ultrathin laminates, letter screen, travel experience extremely difficult,” invisible personal information, and Ambassador Gaa explained. holograms. He emphasized that while the new pass- Currently, holders of a valid Philippine port is a vast improvement from the old passport (green passport that has not one, “there will be no increase in pass- expired) need not worry as the green port fees.” passport will still be honored as a bon- All these, according to Ambassador afide travel document issued by the Gaa, makes the six-week processing Government of the Philippines until it time for the new passport worthwhile. expires, even after the roll out of the Starting June 2, 2008, the Philippine new Machine Readable Passports. Embassy will be accepting applications The passport fee did not change. It still for these new passports, Ambassador costs US$50.00 per passport. Gaa announced, saying that there are very clear guidelines on the require-

Free Aung San Suu Kyi . . . from p.1 said in an official statement. about Myanmar's full national reconcilia- “We, therefore, reiterate our call for the tion and return to democracy,” the state- release of Aung San Suu Kyi and an all ment added. political prisoners,” Bunye said. President Arroyo remains a staunch advo- “Meaningful dialogue with Aung San Suu cate for Myanmar democracy and contin- Kyi and all political groups, and the full ues to call for true and meaningful de- and free participation of all stakeholders mocratic reform in that country. in the political process will help bring

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Arroyo to visit US . . . from p.1 President George W. Bush at the Oval Office. The Last March, the MCC granted the Philippines Compact White House meeting, the highlight of her US trip, will Eligible status, opening the door for the Philippines to focus on outstanding global issues of common concern avail itself of up to $700 million in grants to help boost to the two countries, notably the country’s economic terrorism, food security, non- growth. proliferation of nuclear arms The Philippines has gained and human rights. compact eligible status after The President is expected to passing objective indicators in thank Bush for his support to the areas of governing justly, Filipino World War II veterans investing in its citizens, and through the US Veterans Of- encouraging economic free- fice in Manila and the Veter- dom. ans Memorial Medical Center Also in Washington, the Presi- in , and express dent will dialogue with stake- her hope for a favorable reso- holders of the Coral Triangle lution of the remaining issues President Arroyo presides over a teleconference with Initiative (CTI) a multi-nation relating to Filipino veterans. members of the Manila-based National Disaster Coordinat- effort to push the CTI project In Washington, the President ing Council (NDCC) to keep her informed about the latest spanning across Indonesia, Ma- situation in the Philippines as typhoon "Frank" strikes the will also personally thank the country. The President she convened the teleconference laysia, Papua New Guinea, US Senate for its historic 96-1 upon her arrival at the Fairmont Hotel Saturday (June 21, Philippines, Solomon Islands vote in favor of the Veterans 2008) in San Francisco, California. Also in photo are (from and Timor-Leste. left) Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Rep. Monico Puente- Benefits Bill, which calls for bella, and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila. The Triangle holds the richest additional benefits to Filipino (BENJAMIN BASUG/OPS-NIB Photo) concentration of iridescent cor- WWII veterans. als, fish, crustaceans, mollusks At the Pentagon, the President The United States is the Philippines' strongest and marine plants in the world. will discuss with US Defense friend and ally. Filipinos love America, its The US-ASEAN Business Secretary Robert Gates the people and culture. We may be separated by Council (USBC) and the United an ocean, but we are bound by a shared Philippines’ defense reform history and common values of economic States Chamber of Commerce program. prosperity and a strong democracy. The (USCC) will co-host a dinner in The President will also meet relations between the US and the Philippines honor of the President in Wash- with key leaders of the US are stable, strong and mature. ington.

Congress and with the mem- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo In New York, the last leg of her bers of the Philippines-US Departure Statement US trip, the President will be Friendship Caucus, a group 21 June 2008, Manila meeting with a number of busi- composed of members of the ness leaders and investment US House of Representatives who have support moves groups, including Libby’s Fruits, Target Sourcing, RO- to strengthen relations between the Philippines and the TEC Technology and APAC Customer Services. United States. She will also host a reception for the permanent repre- The President will also meet with officials of the Wash- sentatives to the United Nations in connection with the ington-based the Millennium Challenge Corporation candidature of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago to the (MCC). International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Arroyo and President Bush from left: Official Visit to Washington, 20 November 2001; State Visit to Washington, 17 May 2003; President Bush on a State Visit to the Philippines, 18 October 2003.

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Amb. Gaa welcomes Sen. Akaka statement clarifying concerns over veterans bill

Shortly after Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chair- all veterans, young and old, will not be to the detriment man of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, made a state- of any individual or group of veterans.” ment on 2 June 2008 clarifying certain concerns on S. In his statement, Senator Akaka said that despite the 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, fact that the purpose of the provision in S. 1315 which Ambassador Willy Gaa welcomed and expressed strong reverses the Hartness decision is to do nothing more support for the Senator’s clarification. than restore the clear intent of Congress, it has been “We welcome and deeply appreciate the statement mischaracterized by some as an attempt to withdraw made Senator Akaka addressing the misconceptions benefits from deserving veterans in order to fund bene- some might harbor on the offset provision in S.1315. fits to Filipino veterans. Senator Akaka also said that We believe that Senator Akaka’s statement clearly es- this is simply not the case and that such accusations fail tablishes the fact that S.1315 does not take money away to appreciate the facts of the matter that led the Senate from deserving veterans to fund benefits for our Fili- to take corrective action. pino World War II veterans,” Ambassador Gaa said. Ambassador Gaa said “we continue with our efforts to Senator Akaka’s statement has been included in the see the passage of S.1315 and we are working closely Congressional Record. with all our friends and allies towards this end.” In thanking Senator Akaka for making the clarification, Senator Akaka ended his statement by emphasizing that Ambassador Gaa said “Senator Akaka made it force- S. 1315 benefits all veterans and does not prejudice any fully clear that funding for S.1315, a bill that benefits veteran.

The Philippine House Veterans Committee Delegation headed by its Chair- man, Congressman Antonio Diaz (2nd from right), returned to Washington to help lobby for, and follow up on the progress of the Filipino WWII Veter- ans Equity Bill at the U.S. House of Representatives. On 13 May 2008, the delegation met with U.S. Representative Bob Filner (2nd from left), the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs who assured them that he will continue to do what he can to make sure that progress can be made on the Filipino WWII Veterans Equity Bill following its successful passage in the Senate last month.

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R, 49th District CA) (left), was awarded the Philippine Congressional Achievement Medal on 19 May 2008 by Phil- ippine Congressman Antonio Diaz ((2nd from left), Chairman of the Veter- ans Affairs and Welfare Committee of the Philippine House of Representa- tives for his unwavering support for strong Philippine-U.S. relations and for championing Philippine interests in the U.S. House of Representatives, in particular, the passage of a Filipino WWII Veterans Equity Bill. Rep. Issa is also a co-founder and co-chairman of the Philippine-U.S. Friendship Cau- cus in the U.S. House of Representatives. With them are Congressman Roman Romulo (3rd from left) and Justice (Ret) Manuel Pamaran (right) .

Philippine House Veterans Committee Delegation headed by its chairman, Congressman Antonio Diaz (3rd from left), met with U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (4th from left), a member of the Philippine-U.S. Friend- ship Caucus and a distinguished Republican legislator, to seek his assis- tance in rallying Republican support for the Veterans Equity Bill. Represen- tative Rohrabacher informed the delegation that when the bill is scheduled for a vote, he will speak before the floor in support of it. The delegation also met with the following Republican Congressmen: Rep. Ed Royce (CA), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC), Rep. Peter Roskam (IL), Rep. Don Young (AL), Rep. Bob Bishop (UT). In addition, the delegation also met with the Philip- pine-U.S. Friendship Caucus co-chairmen, Representatives Bob Filner and Darrell Issa. PHOTO: (L-R) M/Gen (Ret) Delfin Lorenzana, Congressman Roman Romulo, Congressman Antonio Diaz, U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher, Congressman Rozzano Rufino Biazon, Mr. Ben Gillman, Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina, Justice (Ret) Manuel Pamaran; Minister Ed de Vega

Volume 3, Issue 3 May-June 2008 Page 11

Statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, read into the Con- gressional Record on 2 June 2008, addressing misconceptions on the cost offset provision included in S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 On April 24, 2008, the Senate passed S. 1315, the proposed The statutory provision involved in Hartness was enacted in "Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007." Although the 2001 so as to provide a service pension, not based on disability, bill passed the Senate by a vote of 96-1, there are some who op- to certain veterans. Under this law, older, low income wartime pose it, expressing the belief that provisions in the bill misallo- veterans are eligible for a service pension at age 65, without the cate VA pension benefits to reward non-veterans. I seek to set need to demonstrate any disability. This service pension, which the record straight on S. 1315. is similar to one provided many years ago to veterans of the Mr. President, S. 1315 is a comprehensive bill that would im- Spanish American War, is found in the service pension section prove benefits and services for veterans, both young and old. of the statute, not in the section of the law where pension for The bill includes numerous enhancements to a broad range of disabled veterans is found. veterans' benefits, including life insurance programs for disabled The court in Hartness ruled that elderly persons who are not to- veterans, traumatic injury coverage for active duty servicemem- tally disabled, but who receive a service pension based on age, bers, and specially adapted housing and automobile and adaptive could also receive the extra benefits available under the disabil- equipment benefits for individuals with severe burn injuries. In ity pension benefit program, even if they did not meet the thresh- addition, the bill includes a provision that would correct an in- old requirement of total disability. In so doing, the Hartness justice done to World War II Filipino veterans over 60 years ago. court failed to demonstrate an understanding of the difference It grants recognition and full veterans' status to these individuals, between a service pension and a pension based on disability. both those living inside and outside the United States. In passing the service pension law in 2001, Congress clearly Many Americans have forgotten that during World War II, the created a separate program and did not intend the result in the Philippines was not an independent Nation as is the case today. Hartness decision. Congress intended that veterans who were The Philippines, along with Puerto Rico and disabled would receive benefits under the Guam, was ceded to the United States in 1898 disability pension program, with the opportu- following the Spanish-American War. Al- Restoring the original purpose nity to receive the extra benefits if they were though plans for Philippine independence of the service pension law more seriously disabled. Veterans who met from the United States were underway when would provide the savings the age threshold, but who were not disabled, World War II broke out, the United States needed to pay for increased would receive benefits only under the service government controlled the defense and for- benefits for veterans with pension program, with no basis for receiving eign relations of the Philippines when the war service-connected disabilities as the extra benefits. The intent of this action began. It was not until 1946, after the end of well as justice for Filipino was to create a bright line distinction between World War II, that the Philippines became an veterans of World War II. the two pension programs, but the actual independent nation. As a result of this rela- statutory construction allowed for ambiguity, tionship, Filipino veterans who fought under leading the court to misinterpret the law. the United States Command were United States veterans until The provision passed by the Senate in S. 1315 would overturn that status was taken away by Congress in 1946. the Hartness decision so as to reaffirm that the extra pension S. 1315, the bill as passed by the Senate, would overturn a 2006 benefits are only for those severely disabled veterans who re- decision of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans ceive pension on the basis of being totally disabled. This result Claims in the case, Hartness v. Nicholson. The Hartness decision conforms to the original Congressional intent of reserving the provided that certain veterans, those who receive a service pen- special additional benefits for those who demonstrate the great- sion benefit based solely on their age, qualify for additional est need based on disability, not simply those who benefits that are provided to very severely disabled veterans, a attain a certain age. Even with the repeal of Hartness, aged veter- result not intended by Congress. The savings generated from ans who are totally disabled and who are also housebound or in overturning this court decision would pay for many provisions in need of aid and attendance would still qualify for additional the bill, including pension for Filipino veterans. money under the non-service connected disability pension pro- Despite the fact that the purpose of the provision in S. 1315 gram. which reverses the Hartness decision is to do nothing more than Mr. President, S. 1315 is now pending in the House of Represen- restore the clear intent of Congress, it has been mischaracterized tatives and there is some opposition to the bill that seems to stem by some as an attempt to withdraw benefits from deserving vet- from a misunderstanding of the purpose of VA pension benefits erans in order to fund benefits to Filipino veterans. That is sim- and the Hartness decision. Critics of the bill have suggested that ply not the case. Such accusations fail to appreciate the facts of it arbitrarily redistributes scarce VA benefits to the benefit of the matter that led the Senate to take corrective action. individuals to whom our government has no responsibility. Mr. President, VA non-service connected disability pension These critics fail both to understand the history of the provisions benefits have historically been paid to wartime veterans with low construed in the Hartness decision and the service of Filipino incomes who are disabled from conditions not connected to their veterans. Restoring the original purpose of the service pension service. Under current law, wartime veterans who receive pen- law would provide the savings needed to pay for increased bene- sions based upon disability are eligible to receive certain addi- fits for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as tional benefits if they are totally disabled and are also house- justice for Filipino veterans of World War II. bound, blind, or need the aid and attendance of another person to perform daily activities.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC assists the De- partment of Foreign Affairs in its work of formulating, planning, orga- nizing, and evaluating policies and actions on RP-US relations and relations with accredited organizations. The goals and objectives of the Embassy and its Consulates are: We are on the web • Promoting friendly relations between the United States and the www.philippineembassy-usa.org Philippines; • Protecting Philippine interests; To receive Philippine Government updates • Assisting Filipino nationals abroad, including protecting and please email promoting the rights and welfare of Filipino WWII veterans • Promoting expanding Philippine exports; [email protected] • Promoting tourism and investments to the Philippines; • Pursuing cooperation in science and technology; • Promoting human rights, and • Pursuing international peace, security and development.

PHILIPPINE CAUCUS CHRONICLE EMBASSY Editorial Baord Editor 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW Carlos Sorreta Editorial Assistants Contributors Lyrie Fulgencio Phone: (202) 467 9300/9363 Delfin Lorenzana Remedios Landicho Fax: (202) 467 9417 Gines Gallaga Ging Omaga Diaz E-mail: Angelito Nayan Jose Ledonio [email protected] Percival Abu Erik Lorenzana Tina Santos

Caucus PHILIPPINE Chronicle EMBASSY Newsletter published by the Philippine Embassy Volume 3, Issue 3 for the members of the Philippines-US Congressional Friendship Caucus May-June 2008

Embassy of the Philippines 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington DC 20036