Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007

Caucus Chronicle

US- Congressional Friendship Caucus Newsletter

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY PHILIPPINE MOMENTUM BUILDS BEHIND VETERANS BILL The separate hearings that the Veterans’ Affairs Inside this issue: Committees of both Houses of Congress have held on the proposed equity bill for Filipino New ex-rebel program 2 WW II veterans are not only historic but have also served to further build the momentum Investor dialogue inten- 2 firmly behind the search for justice and equity. sifies At these hearings, members of Congress recog- RP-MCA Threshold 2 nized the courage and heroism of our veterans Ambassador’s Corner 3 and upheld the justness of their cause. The vet- 11 April 2007, US Senate – Ambassador Willy C. Gaa erans themselves served as moving and eloquent (right) and Senior US Senator and Congressional Medal Caucus Member Focus 3 of Honor awardee Daniel K. Inouye (left) appear before witnesses before these hearings, their testimo- the historic first-ever hearing by the Senate Committee nies further galvanizing their supporters. on Veterans Affairs on the proposed bill that would grant Arroyo remarks on 4 Filipino WW II veterans benefits equal to those received Bataan Day Discussions now focus on the issue of cost. by US forces in WW II. (photo by E. Lachica) A Final Victory 5 Thankfully, many members of these committees to support the equity bills. feel that our veterans deserve nothing less than Photos : Bataan Day 6 full equity. As in most legislative actions, the issue of cost Observance is a difficult issue, but one that can be ad- At the hearing at the Senate, the Veterans Ad- dressed, given the current momentum behind the Jones Memorial 7 ministration gave a very high estimate of the equity bills. possible cost, which it cited for its decision not RP UPDATES

THREE MILLION RISE FROM POVERTY • Arroyo delivers keynote at 6th Boao Forum for The incidence of poverty in the country has con- institution for development. Asia tinuously been decreasing, what with the bullish The WB estimates that by the end of this year, • March inflation economy and the progress-oriented and pro- lowest in 20 poor programs under the Arroyo administration. only some 8.4 percent of Filipinos would be years living on a dollar a day – the standard by which • Peso rises to 6- Over three million Filipinos have so far risen the said institution measures extreme poverty. year high from extreme poverty since 2000, according to Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo, citing a re- Saludo said the WB forecast is buoyed by the • RP outsourcing continuous improvement (continued on p. 7) sector set to port by the World Bank, the world’s leading bloom • Electronics top exports RP DETERMINED TO STOP HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS • RP improves CalPERS score The Philippine government is statement as he welcomed the • World Bank pro- jects higher RP determined to put an end to decision of the Geneva-based growth rates political violence and human International Parliamentary • Guidelines is- rights violations in the country. Union (IPU) to send a fact- sued on elec- finding mission to the Philip- tronic payment Press Secretary and concurrent pines to help the government for government Presidential Spokesperson transactions address the issue concerning Ignacio R. Bunye said on 18 human rights. • 8 priority rail- April 2007 that the government way projects fast tracked is "working in an open and "We always welcome the inter- transparent way" and with the est of well-meaning organiza- • Arroyo offers 14 March 07, Nuremberg - Foreign prayers, sympa- support of international part- tions in developments of mu- Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, thy on Virginia ners to put an end to human tual interest in the Philippines. with German Foreign Minister Frank- Tech tragedy Walter Steinmeier at the 16th EU- rights violations. On the issue of human rights, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. Ger- we all share (continued on p. 7) many currently holds the Presidency The Press Secretary issued the of the EU. (photo by J. Labrador) Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 2

New program for ex-rebels to boost peace process Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process forces and arms of former rebels and their (PAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza said today transition to civilian life. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has One feature of the program is the collec- signed and administrative order that will tion of high-powered firearms from unau- give the search for a just, lasting, and sus- thorized civilians and their outright de- tainable peace in the country a major struction or decommissioning, he added. boost. A.O. 172, signed by the President last The National Committee on Social Inte- March 23, will enhance the government’s gration (NCSI) created under this adminis- affirmative action to attend to those who trative order will implement a more en- want to abandon armed struggle and live hanced and comprehensive assistance pro- peaceful and productive lives. (continued gram that covers the management of on p. 7)

Dialogue with investors intensified Ambassador Willy C. Gaa continued to jects in the country and the ASEAN re- intensify his dialogue with investors when gion. Members of the US Chamber believe he met with Members of the US Chamber that the Middle East situation and the of Commerce with operations in Asia on growing influence of regional players in Amb. Gaa with the US Chamber of Com- merce. He is flanked by (L) Mr. Michael 17 April 2007 at a luncheon given in his Asia draw attention away from the Andrews, Vice President and Director, honor. At the lunch, Ambassador Gaa ASEAN region. International and Government Relations discussed strategies on how to enhance Citigroup; and (R) Ms. Laura Hudson, Among the key issues identified by the US RP-US and US-ASEAN economic part- Manager, International Government Chamber as key to establishing more in- Affairs, Chevron. (photo by L. Nayan) nerships. vigorated trade relations in the region are Ambassador GAA informed the group that intellectual property rights (IPR) protec- the US Government (USG) should con- tion, market access, corporate governance, tinue to invest more in high profile pro- and self-sufficient (continued on p.7)

Philippine MCA Threshold Program is ‘Moving Strongly’ “The Philippine Threshold Program (PTP) Ruling Justly, Investing in People, and components are moving very strongly,” Encouraging Economic Freedom. said Ambassador John Danilovich, Chief Aside from the Philippines, MCC has ap- Executive Officer of the Millennium Chal- proved Threshold Country Programs lenge Corporation (MCC), in a recent (TCPs) totaling over US$286 million with meeting with Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, ten (10) other countries: Albania, Burkina bolstering confidence of the Philippine Faso, Indonesia, Jordan, Malawi, Government to qualify for the full Com- Moldova, Paraguay, Tanzania, Ukraine pact status in 2008. and Zambia. MCC Officials also offered the Philippines Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves, the assistance in providing indicator analysis lead Philippine Official of the MCA-PTP for the ‘problem indicators’. This assis- Steering Committee, also recently met tance is being offered as part of MCC’s with Deputy MCC CEO Rodney Bent, as capacity-building advocacy for all MCA part of the US “roadshow” of the Philip- eligible countries. Amb. Gaa with Ambassador John pine Economic Management Team. The Danilovich, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. RP was awarded US$21 million by the meeting highlighted the importance for RP (photo by L. Nayan) MCC in July 2006 to implement a 2-year to produce strategic communications tools program on strengthening anti-corruption that could be helpful for MCC Third Party efforts and improving revenue administra- Auditors and which could be conveyed to tion under the Threshold Country Program potential investors. of the Millennium Challenge Account These top level meetings with MCC Offi- (MCA). ‘Threshold’ countries are identi- cials follow the signing by President Ar- fied as having demonstrated meaningful royo of Executive Order No. 607, reform commitment and a high likelihood “Creating an Inter-Agency Task Force for of successful implementation of MCA the Millennium Challenge Account”, on programs under three (3) broad criteria: 05 March 2007. (continued on p. 7) Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 3

Caucus Members in Focus: In Memoriam Ambassador’s Juanita Millender-McDonald legislation. In 1997, a Glamour Maga- Corner Democrat, 37th District, California zine survey identified Congresswoman Millender-McDonald as “one of eleven women who will change the world.” The Philippines and the Filipino people lost a dear and true friend when Rep. In her role as Ranking Member of the Juanita Millender-McDonald lost her Committee on House Administration, fight to cancer on 21 April 2006. She Congresswoman Millender-McDonald had stood side-by-side with our veter- investigated widespread voting irregu- ans in their quest for justice and equity. larities and voter disenfranchisement . She was a proud champion and cospon- She spoke out against genocide in Cam- sor of the Filipino Veterans Equity, bodia, Darfur and other regions of the Fairness and Family Reunification bills. world where human rights are in danger She was a vice-chair of the Philippine- or ignored, and has worked with former US Friendship Caucus. Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Ambassador John Miller on human Through the dedicated efforts of our friends She represented the Carson and Long Beach district near Los Angeles where trafficking and women’s rights issues in Congress, the historic quest of Filipino globally. WW II veterans for justice and equity may many of her Filipino constituents lived. finally be coming to an end. She was the first African American Rep. Millender-McDonald earned a woman to chair the House Administra- Bachelor of Science Degree in Business The hearings in the Veterans’ Affairs Com- tion Committee as the "Mayor of Capi- Administration from the University of mittees provided the rare opportunity for tol Hill." Redlands, a Master's Degree in Educa- the champions of veterans equity to speak A recent Washington Times article tional Administration from California most eloquently to their colleagues in Con- reported a University of California State University - Los Angeles, and gress. study citing Congresswoman Juanita teaching and Administration credentials These two hearings also brought together Millender-McDonald as one of the five from the California State University all the organizations and community groups most effective Members of Congress system. She is survived by her husband that are pushing for veterans equity. given her ability to reach across the James McDonald, Jr., and five adult aisle to effectively move bipartisan children and five grandchildren. These two hearings also brought out, in dramatic fashion, the moving and tearful testimonies of the veterans themselves. The gallantry and courage of our veterans are beyond question. Their contribution to the victory of Allied forces is a historic fact. Their quest for equity is a just and deserving cause. The two hearings in Con- gress reinforced these and showed that these are matters that are beyond debate. But even so, we must continue to push for the veterans equity bills. There are issues as to funding and administration that must be addressed. We will work with all parties concerned to remove any remaining road- blocks that stand in the way of the veterans equity bill. We are elated that we have come this far. But our jubilation was mixed with sadness when we learned of the death of Represen- tative Juanita Millender-MacDonald — a powerful supporter of our veterans and an Top-left: 19 May 2003 - Rep. Millender-McDonald with Philippine President Gloria unrelenting advocate for their cause. Arroyo and (L to R) Fil-Am vets: Thomas Mayor (L.A.), Joaquin Tejada (DC), Nina Loria and Mariano Loria (L.A.). We mourn the loss of Rep. Millender- Bottom-left: Feb. 2003 - Rep. Millender-McDonald speaks at the first reception of MacDonald, not only because our veterans the RP-US Friendship Congressional Caucus on Capitol Hill as (L to R) Rep. Made- have lost a champion, but because her life leine Bordallo (D-Guam) and Rep. Lane Evans (D-Illinois) listen . served to inspire us all to believe in what is Bottom-right: 22 Nov 2003 - Disabled Philippine New Scouts Joaquin Tejada, 80 right and just and to pursue our dreams, and Guillermo Rumingan, 78, thank Rep. Millender-McDonald for helping pass their bills that provide 8,000 Filipino WW II veterans in US with official recognition, even in the face of great obstacles. VA medical care and widow benefits. (photos by E. Lachica) Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 4

Remarks of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor/Bataan Day) 9 April 2007

With great awe and reverence, we are gathered here today to honor the Filipino soldiers who gave their life that we may all live in peace and freedom. This, just after we commemorate the death and resurrection of the greatest martyr of all time, Jesus Christ, in days of prayer and sacrifice.

We pay homage to the fighters of Bataan, Corregidor and the other battlegrounds of the Philippines in the Second World War, and their compatriots in other campaigns, Korea, Vietnam, in an unbroken tradition of valor that stretches to today's war on terror and insurgency.

Today, we are proud to be gathered with allies in the field of peace and development, in the fight against terror and poverty, in the liberation of peoples not only from tyranny but from ignorance, disease and injustice.

The three nations that were the combatants of yesteryears, the Philippines, the and Japan are today partners, standing shoulder to shoulder in the field of common dreams and aspirations, in a region fraught with challenges and opportunities.

And for the Veterans, who are still with us today, here in front of us, I shall continue to serve you and your love ones with full understanding and a deep sympathy for your needs.

For the years 2006 and 2007, the National Government has released a total of 19.57 billion pesos for regular pension and 1.6 billion pesos for pension arrears. For the remaining months of this year, the Department of Budget and Management will release 9 billion pesos for regular pension.

I am instructing the Secretary of Budget to release another 1.8 billion pesos for pension arrears. By 2008, we will be up to date in our pension payments.

In the United States, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs is scheduled to conduct a hearing on the Veterans Equity Bill on April 11, a few days from now. This is the closest the United States legislature has come towards the possible passage of the Equity Bill for the veterans, given their contributions to preserving the democracy and given that our historic and strategic cooperation continues in fighting challenges to the values and ideals that we all share and hold dear.

We hope that all the US officials will support all these efforts to pass legislation that would allow our Filipino Veterans to obtain the benefits they have long sought for and truly deserve.

And we pray, that the future of this region will continue to be defined by the same ideals that we fought for. The end of war and conflict has brought the dawn of liberty and the ascendancy of free and fair trade across boarders. For our region, this means holding on to the fight against terror and poverty, building alliances for vigilance and development, preserving the environment and protecting human rights. Our national agenda is focused on creating good paying jobs, stable prices, bringing the benefits of a strong economy to every single Filipino. It is a pro-poor, pro-growth and pro-modernization agenda.

We have worked tirelessly to build a modern nation that will one day take its rightful place beside first world economies. We see a day, when going abroad for a job is a career choice, not the only option for work.

Our government has made the tough but necessary decision to strengthen our economy. These painful steps are paying off. Now we have the money to invest in job creation, new roads, bridges and ports and more for education and health care and veterans pension, with the help of our friends in the United States Congress and the US Government.

We have a vision for the day when all Filipino veterans can choose to live in the Philippines, close to family and friends, enjoying the veterans benefits that will give them a high quality of life. Shrine of Valor, Mabuhay ang ating mga Beterano! Mt. Samat, Bataan Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 5

A FINAL VICTORY Ambassador Willy C. Gaa Hearing on S. 57 Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, United States Senate, April 11, 2007

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, thank you for your kind invitation for us to appear before the Committee. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to share with you the views of the Philippine Government on an issue of great importance to my country and to the Filipino people.

Victory for allied forces marked the end of the war in the Pacific. At war’s end, though battered by years of fighting and with the memories of their fallen comrades etched in their hearts, our veterans rejoiced and savored the sweet taste of victory.

Little did they know that while the carnage and destruction of war had ended, they would be facing a new battle – one where victory would be far more elusive. It would be a battle where time, not bullets would ravage their ranks. It would be a fight where the pain of inequity, not the bayonet charges of the enemy, would force them to once again witness their comrades fall, one by one. This would be a quest for victory that would once more demand that they give the full measure of courage and sacrifice they had unselfishly shown in the trenches of Bataan and Corregidor, in the jungles and mountains throughout the archipelago and on the crimson roads of the Death March.

Today, few of these living symbols of the very freedoms and liberties that we now enjoy, remain. By the end of this month, many more would have fallen. But they have not been alone in this quest for a final victory. Many in the US Congress have stood boldly by our brave soldiers. Their profound sense of history and commitment to the common values that both our countries share and have fought for, have given all of us renewed hope for justice, fairness and equity.

In this quest, Filipino-American groups, US veterans organizations like the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of America and as well as individuals have also marched unflinchingly, side by side with our veterans. Many of these groups and individuals are with us today, and we thank them for their invaluable and tireless work and for their commitment and dedication.

Mr. Chairman, the Philippine Government and the Filipino people continue to maintain that the Filipino soldiers who fought and served under the US Army during WWII, specifically during the period between July 1941 to October 1945, are US veterans under then existing US laws and are entitled to all benefits due a US veteran.

We therefore welcome the filing and urge the passage of S. 57 and its companion bill in the House, H.R. 760 into law, “to amend Section 107 of title 38, United States Code to deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs”. We make this call based on assertions that are supported by clear facts and historical records. I have attached to this statement a reiteration of our arguments and respectfully request that these be made part of the record.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, Filipino WWII veterans were treated unfairly by the 79th Congress and the US Government in 1946 by the enactment of PL 79-30, otherwise known as the Rescission Act of 1946. At a critical juncture in both our countries’ history, Filipino veterans had willingly responded to the urgent call of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They readily left their families and homes for an uncertain fate.

They fought valiantly, bravely and with uncommon courage. They went into combat against great odds and often lacking the support that they had been promised. Out of the 470,000 reported by the VA in 1946 less than 20,000 remain – 13,000 in the Philippines and 7,000 in the United States. Those who remain have very little time left. Many are sick and infirm.

Two days ago, we marked the 65th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, with even more vacant spaces among the ranks of the veterans. We commemorate that fateful date not in the spirit of defeat, but as a symbol of immense courage in the face of great odds, and as a day that held forth the promise of victory.

Mr. Chairman, I ask, on behalf of a nation that has stood by yours in the name of freedom, liberty and democracy in World War II, in the decades of uncertainty after, and in facing today’s new and grave challenges, to let these old soldiers have their final victory.

We ask that they be allowed to end this last chapter of a war they had fought so hard to win – with their dignity intact and with the honor that they so truly deserve.

Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 6

Bataan Day Activities

Filipino WW II veterans in Chicago with Consul General Blesila Cabrera.

Amb. Gaa and Senator Daniel K. Inouye join the veterans in laying a wreath at the National WW II Memorial in Washington DC. (photo by P. Abu)

Senator Tina M. Barnes of the 29th Guam Legis- lature reads the Legislative Resolution recogniz- ing the contributions of the Filipino veterans to Ambassador Gaa (Center) and Consul General Maria Rowena Sanchez the struggle for freedom and independence, as with WW2 Veterans at the Day of Valor celebration in San Francisco Senator Jim Espaldon and some veterans and their families look on.

Consul General Ariel Y. Abadilla, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie A. Kenney, and Mayor Mufi Hanneman, with the recipients of the Philippine Liberation Medals on the The wreath at the National WW II Memorial laid by Filipino occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Day of Valor or Araw WW II veterans, Amb. Gaa and Sen. Inouye. (photo by B. ng Kagitingan, on 15 April 2007 in an event entitled, "Balik- Branigin) Tanaw: Remembering Bataan and Corregidor" at the Filipino Community Center in Hawaii. Volume 2, Issue 2 Mar-Apr 2007 Page 7

Three million Filipinos . . . (from p. 1)

in the Philippine economy, which is pro- "Now that the government has increased its jected to grow by as much as 5.7 percent this fund sources and earnings, public infrastruc- year. ture and public service will surely follow, thus providing employment opportunities With this, the WB believes that some three and expanding education, health, housing million Filipinos have been lifted so far and other services for the people," Saludo from extreme poverty, or a decline to 8.4 said. percent at the end of 2007 from the 13.5 percent in 2000, reflecting a slash of 5.1 "Through these measures, the government percent, according to figures released by the shall accomplish its dream of slashing by WB as published in the "East Asia Update: half the number of poor Filipinos by the year Managing Through a Global Downturn." 2010," he added.

RP determined . . . (from p. 1) the deep desire to bring the legacy of political violence in the Philippines to an end," Bunye said. "In the meantime, the Philippines is working in an open and transparent way to solve this issue in concert with our international partners, once and for all," he added.

New program . . . (from p. 2) This will also serve to boost development, Addressing the concerns of other armed especially in the countryside. Government’s rebels who can disrupt or negate the gains efforts to forge a negotiated principled set- that the Philippine government are trying to Consul Joy Quintana, Philippine tlement with rebel groups like the MILF is a sustain in negotiations with the MILF will Embassy Cultural Officer (left) with Lois Jones, granddaugh- priority and SIP is not directed or meant to strengthen the peace process and provide a ter-in-law of Rep. Jones (right) undermine the ongoing negotiations with the more sustainable peace environment for all. at the Jones Memorial. Rep. MILF. Jones led efforts in the US Con- gress to grant Philippine inde- pendence. The Philippine Em- bassy is working for the resto- Dialogue with investors . . . (from p.2) ration of the Jones Memorial. (Please see Caucus Chronicle , energy. The Chamber also articulated the of time”, said Myron Brilliant, Vice Presi- Vol, 2, Issue 1). need to pursue new trade mechanisms and dent (Asia) of the US Chamber. ASEAN is As the most important landmark frameworks given the lack of progress in the hoping that the US accedes to its Treaty of of the City of Warsaw, the image of the Jones Memorial is a cen- Doha trade negotiations. Amity and Cooperation (TAC). ASEAN’s tral part of the insignia of its 13 Dialogue Partners, including the UN police force (below). (photos by This year, ASEAN and the US are com- R. Gonzales) memorating the 30th Anniversary of Dia- have already acceded to the TAC. logue Partnership. A Commemorative Sum- The US Chamber is the world’s largest busi- mit of the Partnership will be held in the 2nd ness federation, representing more than 3 half of 2007, during the Chairmanship of million businesses and organizations in the Singapore in the ASEAN-Washington Com- US. Around 250-300 US companies have mittee (AWC). The Philippines chairs the operations in Asia. Top Officers and repre- AWC from January to April 2007. sentatives of Citigroup, Chevron, UPS, 3M, “It is important for a dialogue partnership to Cargill, and Alticor attended the luncheon. have meaningful deliverables over a period

Philippine MCA . . . (from p.2) The creation of the Task Force, headed by Revenue Integrity Protection Service the Department of Finance (DOF), demon- (RIPS), one of the program components strates the Philippine Government’s resolve funded by the MCA Threshold Program. to continue its efforts to strengthen good To qualify for the main MCA program fund- governance and ensure the success of imple- ing in 2008, the Philippine Government is menting anti-corruption measures. determined to pursue comprehensive pro- The US Trade Representative (USTR), in its grams that are reasonable, measurable, and 2007 National Trade Estimate Report, rec- attainable, to reduce poverty and stimulate ognized RP’s recent efforts to reinvigorate economic growth. its anti-corruption drive citing the DOF’s The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC assists the Department of Foreign Affairs in its work of formulating, planning, organizing, 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 right, and • Pursuing international peace, security and development.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY Carlos Sorreta Editor

Delfin Lorenzana Joy Quintana 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW Gines Gallaga Angelito Nayan Percival Abu Phone: (202) 467 9300/9363 Contributors Fax: (202) 467 9417 Ging Omaga Diaz E-mail: [email protected] Jose Ledonio Editorial Assistants

PHILIPPINE Caucus EMBASSY Chronicle Volume 2, Issue 2 US-Philippines Congressional Friendship Caucus March-April 2007

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