June 9, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4273

(5) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.— Treasury and General Government Appro- Whereas the United States relies on the (A) IN GENERAL.—An employee of the Com- priations Act, 1998, of funds made available Philippines as a partner and treaty ally in mission shall be an employee for purposes of for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 to the Depart- fostering regional stability, enhancing pros- chapters 84, 85, 87, and 89 of title 5, United ments of Justice, State, and any other ap- perity, and promoting peace and democracy; States Code, and service as an employee of propriate agency that are otherwise unobli- and the Commission shall be service for purposes gated, not more than $3,500,000 shall be avail- Whereas the 100th anniversary of relations of such chapters. able for the interagency funding of activities between the people of the United States and (B) NONAPPLICATION TO MEMBERS.—This of the Commission under this Act. Funds the people of the Philippines offers an oppor- paragraph shall not apply to a member of the made available to the Commission pursuant tunity for the United States and the Phil- Commission. to this section shall remain available for ob- ippines to renew their commitment to inter- (6) OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.— ligation until December 31, 1999. national cooperation on issues of mutual in- The Office of Personnel Management— terest and concern: Now, therefore, be it MOTION OFFERED BY MR. LEACH (A) may promulgate regulations to apply Resolved, That the House of Representa- the provisions referred to under subsection Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I offer a tives— (a) to employees of the Commission; and motion. (1) congratulates the Philippines on the (B) shall provide support services relating The Clerk read as follows: commemoration of its independence from to— Mr. LEACH moves to strike out all Spain; (i) the initial employment of employees of after the enacting clause and insert in (2) looks forward to a broadening and deep- the Commission; and lieu thereof the provisions of H.R. 3662, ening of friendship and cooperation with the (ii) other personnel needs of the Commis- as passed by the House. Philippines in the years ahead for the mu- sion. tual benefit of the people of the United (d) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.— The motion was agreed to. The Senate bill was ordered to be States and the people of the Philippines; Any Federal Government employee may be (3) supports the efforts of the Philippines detailed to the Commission without reim- read a third time, was read the third to further strengthen democracy, human bursement to the agency of that employee, time, and passed, and a motion to re- rights, the rule of law, and the expansion of and such detail shall be without interruption consider was laid on the table. free market economics both at home and or loss of civil service status or privilege. A similar House bill, (H.R. 3662) was abroad; and (e) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND (4) recognizes the close relationship be- INTERMITTENT SERVICES.—The Chairperson of laid on the table. the Commission may procure temporary and f tween the nations and the people of the intermittent services under section 3109(b) of United States and the people of the Phil- title 5, United States Code, at rates for indi- GENERAL LEAVE ippines and pledges its support to work viduals which do not exceed the daily equiva- Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- closely with the Philippines in addressing lent of the annual rate of basic pay pre- new challenges as we begin our second cen- imous consent that all Members may tury of friendship and cooperation. scribed for level V of the Executive Schedule have 5 legislative days within which to under section 5316 of such title. revise and extend their remarks on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (f) STAFF QUALIFICATIONS.—Any person ap- ant to the rule, the gentleman from pointed to the staff of or employed by the bill just passed. New York (Mr. GILMAN) and the gen- Commission shall be an individual of integ- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there rity and impartiality. objection to the request of the gen- tleman from Florida (Mr. WEXLER) (g) CONDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT.— tleman from New York? each will control 20 minutes. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may There was no objection. The Chair recognizes the gentleman offer employment on a conditional basis to a f from New York (Mr. GILMAN). prospective employee pending the comple- (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given tion of any necessary security clearance COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS OF permission to revise and extend his re- background investigation. During the pend- RELATIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE ency of any such investigation, the Commis- marks.) sion shall ensure than such conditional em- OF UNITED STATES AND PEOPLE GENERAL LEAVE ployee is not given and does not have access OF THE PHILIPPINES Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask to or responsibility involving classified or Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to unanimous consent that all Members otherwise restricted material. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- may have 5 legislative days within (2) TERMINATION.—If a person hired on a lution (H. Res. 404) commemorating 100 which to revise and extend their re- conditional basis as described in paragraph (1) is denied or otherwise does not qualify for years of relations between the people of marks on the resolution under consid- all security clearances necessary for the ful- the United States and the people of the eration. fillment of the responsibilities of that person Philippines. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there as an employee of the Commission, the Com- The Clerk read as follows: objection to the request of the gen- mission shall immediately terminate the H. RES. 404 tleman from New York? employment of that person with the Com- Whereas 1998 marks 100 years of special There was no objection. mission. ties between the people of the United States Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield (h) EXPEDITED SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCE- DURES.—A candidate for executive director and the people of the Philippines and is also myself such time as I may consume. or deputy executive director of the Commis- the centennial celebration of Philippine Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have in- sion and any potential employee of the Com- independence from Spain which initiated re- troduced this resolution commemorat- mission shall, to the maximum extent pos- lations with the United States; ing 100 years of relations between the sible, be investigated or otherwise evaluated Whereas the people of the Philippines have people of the United States and the on many occasions demonstrated their for and granted, if applicable, any necessary people of the Philippines. I am pleased security clearances on an expedited basis. strong commitment to democratic principles to bring it to the floor today for con- SEC. 6. SUPPORT SERVICES. and practices, the free exchange of views on During the 180-day period following the matters of public concern, and the develop- sideration, and I am pleased to be date of enactment of this Act, the General ment of a strong civil society; joined by our distinguished chairman Services Administration shall provide ad- Whereas the Philippines has embraced eco- of our Subcommittee on Asia and the ministrative support services (including of- nomic reform and free market principles Pacific of the Committee on Inter- fices and equipment) for the Commission. and, despite current challenging cir- national Relations, the gentleman cumstances, its economy has registered sig- SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION. from Nebraska (Mr. BEREUTER). nificant economic growth in recent years The Commission shall terminate 90 days Mr. Speaker, it is right and fitting after the date on which the Commission sub- benefiting the lives of the people of the Phil- mits its final report under section 3. ippines; that the House of Representatives SEC. 8. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. Whereas the large Philippine-American make note of the special relationship (a) INAPPLICABILITY OF FACA.—The Fed- community has immeasurably enriched the that our Nation and the Philippines eral Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) fabric of American society and culture; have shared for nearly a century. The does not apply to the Commission. Whereas Filipino soldiers fought shoulder beginning of our country’s relationship (b) PUBLIC ATTENDANCE.—To the maximum to shoulder with American troops on the bat- with the Philippines in 1898 also marks extent practicable, each meeting of the Com- tlefields of World War II, Korea, and Viet- the beginning of our great interest in mission shall be open to members of the pub- nam; lic. Whereas the Philippines is an increasingly the Pacific and the development of SEC. 9. FUNDING OF COMMISSION. important trading partner of the United strong, robust historical and cultural Notwithstanding section 1346 of title 31, States as well as the recipient of significant ties between the Philippines and the United States Code, or section 611 of the direct American investment; United States. H4274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 1998 Mr. Speaker, though the United ippines, the U.S.-Philippines relation- Relations, the gentleman from New States and Philippines are literally an ship has been largely characterized by York (Mr. GILMAN), and myself. It is a ocean apart, the large Philippine- cooperation. H.Res. 404 notes these co- bipartisan bill called the Filipino Vet- American community, numbering over operative efforts by citing our united erans Equity Act. It has nearly 200 co- 2 million, has immeasurably enriched forces in World War II and our efforts sponsors at this time. the social and cultural fabric of our to promote peace and stability in the What the Filipino Veterans Equity Nation and serves as a sturdy bridge of Asian-Pacific region. Though U.S. Act says is that it is time to restore friendship between our two countries. forces have not had a physical presence justice and honor and dignity to the Until the end of the Cold War, the in the Philippines since 1991, the U.S. veterans of World War II who fought United States maintained major mili- and the Philippines remain united by side by side with us. These were sol- tary facilities in the Philippines which the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. This diers of the Philippines who were draft- played a significant role in the mainte- bond may be further strengthened by a ed to serve in our Armed Forces by Ex- nance of regional peace and stability. newly negotiated Visiting Forces ecutive order of President Roosevelt. Today, the Philippines remains an im- Agreement which is scheduled to go be- They defended the American flag in the portant partner and ally in guarding fore the Philippines Senate for ratifica- famous battles of Bataan and Corregi- the peace and maintaining stability in tion later this year. dor. Thousands of them died during the southeast Asia. Despite the ongoing financial crisis Bataan death march, and many who Our Nation is pleased with the flour- in Asia, the Philippines has also be- survived were imprisoned under very ishing of democracy in the Philippines. come an increasingly valuable trading inhumane conditions. The Filipino sol- It is hoped that the Philippines will partner for the United States. The diers who fought under the American serve as an example to others in that Philippines has demonstrated commit- flag foiled plans for a quick takeover of region and will encourage progress and ment to undertake economic reform, the region and allowed the United the furthering of democratic principles and this Member expects the new States the time that we needed to pre- and practices, respect for human President-elect, Joseph Estrada, to pare our forces for victory in the Pa- rights, and enhancement of the rule of continue to nurture this economic cific. But unbelievably after the war law. growth. was over in 1946, the Congress of the I am pleased to have had the oppor- H.Res. 404 is timely legislation as its time voted to take away the benefits tunity to introduce this legislation and introduction coincides with the festive and recognition that these Filipino I urge my colleagues to support the preparations now underway in the veterans were promised. In the infa- measure. Philippines in anticipation of its cen- mous Rescissions Acts of 1946, we said, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tennial celebration of independence thank you for all your work and help, my time. from Spain. It is altogether appro- but no thanks. Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield priate for this body to congratulate the It is now 52 years later. Families who myself such time as I may consume. Philippines on the centennial of its live in both the United States and the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this independence and applaud his accom- Philippines have been waiting for the resolution. I would like to commend plishments of the past 100 years. The justice, recognition and benefits that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Philippines has clearly become a posi- they deserve. H. Res. 404 thanks them GILMAN) for introducing House Resolu- tive role model for its Asian neighbors. for their service, but we need H.R. 836, tion 404 and moving it without delay Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gen- sponsored by the gentleman from New through the legislative process. I am tleman from New York (Mr. GILMAN) York (Mr. GILMAN), to complete the an original cosponsor of the resolution on sponsoring this legislation and I job. along with a number of our colleagues urge all Members to support and ap- A second concrete step that we can here. prove H.Res. 404. take is to pass H. Res. 312, which was Mr. Speaker, this is a constructive Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield introduced by the gentleman from measure that recognizes the close part- 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. UNDERWOOD). This resolu- nership that we have enjoyed with the California (Mr. FILNER). tion outlines the compromise to return Philippines over the past 100 years, and one of the famous Bells of Balangiga to b 1700 voices support for a continuation of the people of the Philippines. The two that partnership as we enter the second Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank bells were brought to the United States century of our bilateral relationship. I the gentleman for yielding me the early in the 20th century by American urge adoption of this measure. time. troops who were engaged in hostilities Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of I rise in strong support of this resolu- that had erupted between American my time. tion, H. Res. 404, which congratulates and Filipino soldiers. These bells are Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 the Philippines on the 100th anniver- currently on display at Warren Air minutes to the gentleman from Ne- sary of its independence from Spain in Force Base in Wyoming. braska (Mr. BEREUTER) the distin- 1898, supports their efforts to strength- The Republic of the Philippines has guished chairman of our Subcommittee en democracy and human rights, and repeatedly requested the return of the on Asia and the Pacific. thanks the Philippines for fighting on bells. H. Res. 312 would return one bell Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise the side of the United States in World and retain one bell in Wyoming. Two in strong support of H.Res. 404 and con- War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. replica bells would be made so that gratulate the distinguished gentleman I have personally met with both the each country would have one replica from New York (Mr. GILMAN), the President-elect and the Vice President- and one original bell. chairman of the Committee on Inter- elect recently, and I know that they On the occasion of the 100th anniver- national Relations, for introducing it will continue the strong relationship sary of the Philippine Declaration of today. I am pleased to be one of the between our two countries. Independence, as a measure of friend- bill’s original cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest ship, another way to recognize this, in In the past 100 years, the Philippines to my good friends who are speaking on addition to the resolution we have on at various times has served, and now this and who have sponsored this reso- the floor now, let us share these price- serves, as a democratic counterpart, lution today that there are two addi- less bells which are national symbols ally, trading partner, and friend to the tional concrete steps that this body to the Filipinos. United States. The Philippines is a re- could take to adequately express the Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank public basically patterned after our high regard we have for the Philippines the gentleman from California (Mr. own democratic system and it contin- on this 100th anniversary of their inde- FILNER) for his support of our Phil- ues to reshape and perfect its govern- pendence. ippines veterans bill. ment in order to better uphold the The first concrete act we could do is Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the ideals of democracy. pass the bill, H.R. 836, an act intro- gentleman from California (Mr. ROHR- Since July 4, 1946, named Filipino- duced by the distinguished chairman of ABACHER), a member of our House Com- American Friendship Day in the Phil- the House Committee on International mittee on International Relations. June 9, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4275 Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, it dom of speech, freedom of the press and bond forged in war and strengthened in is my honor today to rise in support of a growing economy. Under the past re- peace. this resolution remembering the Phil- gime, they were so corrupt, they could Mr. Speaker, the Philippines should ippines 100 years as a nation. not even grow. Today the Philippines be commended for being one of the It was 100 years ago when, during stands as a jewel in the Pacific in the most vibrant democracies in Asia. what is known as the Spanish-Amer- sense that its people are committed to Since the people power revolt in 1986 ican War, the Philippines were liber- freedom and democracy as we know it that ousted Ferdinand Marcos, three ated from their Spanish oppressors. here in the United States. They are our Presidents have been placed in office Unfortunately sometimes we like to ro- good friends. by free and fair elections in the Phil- manticize our own history and forget Unfortunately, here again at times ippines. Last month, Vice President what happened a few years imme- we end up taking the Philippines for Joseph Estrada was the runaway win- diately after that liberation. Instead of granted. We end up trying to give busi- ner of the May 11 Presidential election doing what would have been consistent ness advantages for our own business- against nine other candidates. On June with our own philosophy as a country men to invest in countries like Viet- 30, Mr. Estrada, an opposition leader, that believed in the Declaration of nam that have had no democratic re- shall take office from President Fidel Independence, the United States de- form whatsoever, or in China, or in Ramos, again marking a smooth tran- cided instead of freeing the Philippines other dictatorial countries, even like sition of power as befits a true democ- from foreign oppression, we decided to Indonesia up until this current situa- racy. take control of the Philippines for our- tion. Why should we ignore those peo- Under President Ramos’ leadership, selves, and, in fact, at the turn of the ple who are struggling to improve their the Philippines has implemented eco- century there was a bloody war that lives, who are our best friends in the nomic reforms while embracing free went on in the Philippines that pitted Philippines, and instead direct our peo- market principles. The trade liberaliza- the United States against many of the ple with grants and loans and subsidies tion policy has led to an economic ren- Filipino people who wanted freedom for their investments from the IMF and aissance for the Philippines, going and independence, justifiably wanted from the Export-Import Bank; why from zero growth in 1991 to an increase their freedom and independence. In should we direct them towards dicta- over 6 percent GNP in recent years. fact, tens of thousands of Filipinos torships when we should actually be The United States has been and contin- were killed at that time by the supe- helping our friends in the Philippines? ues to be the largest trading partner rior firepower of American military I am very proud to stand here today and foreign investor in the Philippines. forces. That is a stain on American his- to say, I am a friend of the Philippines, One-third of Philippines’ exports come tory. and the people of the Philippines are to America. Two-way annual trade be- However, let us say that there were good friends of democracy and freedom tween our two countries has exceeded the best of intentions. The people who and good friends of the people of the over $12 billion. were involved in that and the decision- United States. Mr. Speaker, the people of the Phil- makers felt that this would be a way to Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ippines and the people of the United minutes to the gentleman from Amer- lead the Philippines to true democracy. States have always had close relations. And 50 years later, yes, in 1946, the ican Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA). Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Today almost 2 million Americans are Philippines were freed. I think it minutes to the gentleman from Amer- of Filipino descent, while close to speaks very well of the Filipino people 130,000 U.S. citizens presently reside in ican Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA). that they have forgotten that blight of (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and the Philippines. what happened at the turn of the cen- was given permission to revise and ex- People of the Philippines have always tury and over the years became per- tend his remarks.) been a trusted ally of the United States haps one of America’s greatest friends Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, in times of conflict. During World War in the Pacific, but also in the world. I certainly would like to associate my- II more than 100,000 Filipinos volun- The Filipino people are good friends self with the compliments and state- teered for the Philippine Common- and part of the American family and, ments made earlier by my good friend wealth Army, fighting under American since 1946, have always had a close re- from California and certainly his sup- commanders alongside U.S. Armed lationship to us and during the Cold port for the Philippines. Forces. Filipino soldiers also sacrificed War stood with us. Unfortunately dur- I rise in support of House Resolution their blood alongside U.S. troops in the ing the Cold War the Philippines re- 404, which commemorates 100 years of Korean and Vietnam wars. This friend- verted back during the time, and, relations between the good people of ship and alliance continues today with again, which did not speak well of the the Philippines and the United States. our mutual defense treaty, which com- United States, we recognized the de- I commend the chairman and ranking mits our nations to each other’s de- mise of democracy under the rule of member of the House Committee on fense in case of external attack, while Mr. Marcos. President Marcos they International Relations, the gentleman preserving stability in the region. called him, but one is not a President from New York (Mr. GILMAN) and the Mr. Speaker, because of the deep and unless one is elected, so I will have to gentleman from Indiana (Mr. HAMIL- enduring ties that have traditionally call him dictator Marcos. During that TON), for introducing and supporting bound the people of the Philippines and time corruption thrived, and again the adoption of this important measure. I the U.S. together, I would strongly United States did not live up to our am proud to join these gentlemen and urge our colleagues to adopt this reso- own ideals, but yet the people of the our colleagues on the committee as an lution before us. All Americans should Philippines know that we are a country original cosponsor of the legislation honor our good friendship with the of ideals, and, when we could, we stood and also my good friend, the chairman Philippines on this important com- with those people, Mr. Aquino, of of the Subcommittee on Asia and the memoration of their independence, course, who was assassinated by the Pacific, the gentleman from Nebraska support their continued political and Marcos gang, and we stood with the (Mr. BEREUTER). economic progress, and work to main- people of the Philippines to help rees- Mr. Speaker, today we honor an old tain the special and close relationship tablish democracy there. and enduring friendship that has linked between our sister democracies. I think, as a former member of the the United States and the Philippines Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve Reagan administration, that is one of for almost a century. Our relationship the balance of my time. the moments that I am the most proud dates back to 1898 when Commodore Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 of, where Ronald Reagan helped ease George Dewey sank the Spanish fleet minutes to the gentlewoman from Ha- this dictatorship out of power in the in Manila Bay, ending three centuries waii (Mrs. MINK). Philippines and eased into place a more of Spanish colonial rule and laying the Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I democratically oriented group of peo- foundation for Philippine independence thank the gentleman for yielding time ple. And then today, under President from Spain. to me. Ramos they have had a magnificently For in the next 100 years, Americans I rise today in very strong support of democratic country. We have had free- and Filipinos have shared a special House Resolution 404, which celebrates H4276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 1998 and commemorates the 100 years of re- important for this country to extend a This year, in many communities in the lationship between the Philippines and helping hand in every way that we can. United States and the Philippines, extensive the United States. I take particular Hawaii is special because we have celebration of the Philippine independence pride in rising today to support this elected as our Governor a person of and the enduring friendship between our two resolution as the Chair of the Asian Philippine ancestry of whom we are countries will occur. I believe it is time to Pacific Caucus for the House of Rep- very proud, the Honorable Benjamin honor our friendship by providing full veterans' resentatives. We are joined together as Cayetano. benefits to these Filipino World War II veter- Members of this Congress with strong Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to an ans, who fought and died side by side with us Asian Pacific constituencies, and we old and enduring friendship that has linked the for freedom and democracy. have approximately 20 members in our United States and the Republic of the Phil- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 caucus and about 65 Members of the ippines. Friday, June 12, 1998 marks the minutes to the gentleman from Guam House that have 5 percent or more 100th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines rela- (Mr. UNDERWOOD). Asian Pacific individuals in their con- tionship. I am pleased to join my colleagues in Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 stituencies. strong support of H. Res. 404 which recog- minutes to the gentleman from Guam The Philippines have had an unusual nizes the special link that Americans and Fili- (Mr. UNDERWOOD). relationship with the United States. pinos have shared. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. One hundred years ago they freed As we celebrate this important relationship STEARNS). The gentleman from Guam themselves from Spanish rule and let us not forget the supremely noble Filipino (Mr. Underwood) is recognized for 4 began an association with the United World War II veterans. minutes. States which was not always friendly The U.S.-Philippines relationship was indis- (Mr. UNDERWOOD asked and was or pleasant. I am sure there were many putable when over one hundred thousand Fili- given permission to revise and extend torturous years prior to their develop- pinos, of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, his remarks.) ment of a strong relationship, but the fought side by side with the United States dur- Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I Philippines has always been a friend ing World War II. Under President Roosevelt's commend the gentleman from New and an ally, and never more important Executive Order of July 26, 1941, the Phil- York (Mr. GILMAN), the chairman of was that relationship and dependence ippine military was called on to join forces with the committee, for this measure, and I upon each other than during World War the United States. Without hesitation they rise in strong support of H. Res. 404. II, when the United States called upon fought with bravery, tenacity and honor along One hundred years ago, President side American forces in the battle in the Pa- nearly 100,000 Filipinos to join side by McKinley, mulling over territories cific Theater. Philippine soldiers who served in side with the United States to win the which included Guam as well as the regular components of the United States war in the Philippines and to conquer Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region, Armed Forces were considered members of the enemy forces in the Philippines. spoke of the revelation indicating that the United States forces. At that time the Filipinos that there was nothing left to do but to Filipino fighters heroic service prevented the joined in to help the American forces take the Philippines and to Christian- enemy from conquering the Pacific and al- ize them. Obviously, he had forgotten in the Philippines were promised that lowed the United States troops, under the they would be accorded recognition and that this had already occurred, and command of General Douglas MacArthur to that the process of acquiring the Phil- veterans status. Regrettably, the Con- return to the Philippines. The contributions and gress took away that promise in the ippines has become in the beginning of valor of these Filipino veterans were instru- this century one of the great con- Rescissions Act of 1946. And so today mental in the United States preparations for one of the gnawing difficulties we have troversies which consumed this coun- the final assault on Japan. try and which actually resulted in a in our constituencies in facing the vet- Notwithstanding promises made to these guerilla warfare in which some 4,000 erans from the Philippines who now Philippine soldiers in 1946, Congress enacted Americans died, 200,000 Filipinos died live in the United States is this ques- The Rescission Act which stripped members and over $200 million were spent. tion of when the United States is going of the Philippine Commonwealth army of being On June 12, 1898, which is on Friday, to fulfill its honor and its promise. duly recognized as veterans of the United our time, General Emilio Aguinaldo b 1715 States Armed Forces. It was not until 1990 that Congress passed first unfurled the Filipino flag amidst I would hope that along with the the Immigration Act of 1990 permitting Phil- the strains of the inspiring Philippine celebration of our relationship of 100 ippine veterans of World War II to apply for National Anthem, declaring that the years that we recognize that we have naturalization in recognition of their wartime Philippines had become independent still some unfulfilled promises that we service. from Spain. In doing so, they became have made to the Philippine people. Today, CBO estimates that at least 28,000 the first indigenous group in the Asia- The Filipinos in the United States veterans of the Commonwealth Army and Phil- Pacific region to break the bonds of who are living here as residents or as ippine Scouts are U.S. citizens. According to European colonialism. citizens constitute a very large portion information from the Immigration and Natu- Despite that, they soon found them- of our population. Persons in the ralization Service (INS), about 15,000 who live selves ignored in the process of the United States of Filipino ancestry in the United States became citizens between Treaty of Paris, considered as war number over 2 million currently under 1991 and 1995 under the authority of the Im- booty and eventually ended up under the estimates that we have received migration Act of 1990. U.S. sovereignty, thus confounding from the Census Office. In my own con- H. Res. 836, The Filipino Veterans Equity some of the efforts of many anti-impe- stituency, there are about 170,000 per- Act introduced in February reinstates the ben- rialists at the time, including Mark sons of Filipino ancestry. We celebrate efits of the Filipino World War II veterans un- Twain, who remarked, ‘‘I am opposed their presence. I cannot think of any justly denied by our Act of Congress in 1946. to having the eagle put its talons upon other segment in our society that are I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of House any other land.’’ harder working, more creative, more Resolution. Despite these inauspicious begin- energetic and more loyal to the United This year the Congress has the opportunity nings and conflicted beginnings, Filipi- States than those who count as their to address this injustice. The House Commit- nos have remained the strongest and ancestry the Philippines. And so I tee on Veteran's Affairs will hold a hearing on closest ally of the United States agree with the gentleman from Califor- H. Res. 836. The United States has an obliga- throughout this entire century. Filipi- nia that we should be at this time tion and the Congress the responsibility to live nos fought, fighting under the Amer- thinking of ways that we could up to the original promise made to these sol- ican flag in World War I, keeping alive strengthen this relationship through diers. This year, the 100th Anniversary of our their own resistance effort and partici- trade and other kinds of formulations relationship, is a perfect time to correct this pating in their own liberation from the to build their economy and to indicate wrong. Japanese during World War II under to the people of the Philippines that it After answering the call without question both the U.S. flag and the Philippine is more than just a token relationship; and serving valiantly in the defense of the Commonwealth banner, and under that they are friends, stable, reliable, United States, Filipino World War II veterans their own flag the Sun and Stars dur- and of great economic importance. It is deserve, their long-overdue benefits. ing the Korean and Vietnam wars. June 9, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4277 They have been with us shoulder to that the exiled Filipinos called ‘‘deportados’’ U.S.A. on December 1898, were exercises in shoulder like no other nation on earth. and their progenies as well as the indigenous futility. It didn’t matter that these brash is- As we mark the 100th anniversary of people on Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan landers followed the ‘‘same script and rec- Philippine-American ties, I urge my who were likewise subjects of Spain at that ipe’’ that the Americans used in their earlier time, must have murmured approvingly and quest for independence and creation of a con- colleagues to reflect upon our relation- must have wondered about their own deliver- stitutional democracy. U.S. Pres. McKinley ship with the Filipino people and their ance. was determined to save his ‘‘little brown republic. As we commemorate and cele- By all intents and purposes though, it was brothers’’ from paganism, inspite of the fact brate this important milestone, I not a democratic form of government that that most Filipinos had already embraced would like to remind our colleagues the leaders of the victorious Filipino revolu- the Catholic Faith for hundreds of years. that this would be an opportune time tionaries proclaimed that day. General On Feb. 4, 1899, the first skirmish marking Emilio Aguinaldo, 27 years young, was a de for us to act and resolve long-standing the start of the Philippine-American War oc- facto military dictator. It didn’t matter curred on a narrow bridge in San Juan, Rizal issues that have occurred during the much to the 7 million Filipinos at that time. adjacent to Manila, the home town of Joseph past 100 years, including the Filipino What mattered most was that they were free ‘‘Erap’’ Estrada, the newest and the 13th Veterans Equity Act which has been so from the shackles of the much-hated Spanish president of the Republic of the Philippines. eloquently spoken to by both the gen- despots gathered in military uniforms, Once again, true to the words of their na- tlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. MINK) and priestly cassocks and ostentatious period tional anthem, i.e., ‘‘Land dear and holy, the gentleman from California (Mr. costumes of the ‘‘Ilustrados’’. Cradle of noble heroes, Ne’er shall invaders When the Philippine flag was finally dis- trample thy sacred shores,’’ the Filipinos FILNER) as well as the return of the played and raised for the first time from the fought gallantly against all odds to repel the Bells of Balangiga. These bells were balcony of that modest and now historic American invaders just as they did earlier taken in the course of the guerilla in- house in Kawit, Cavite, amid the soul-stir- with the Chinese, the Dutch, the British and surrection, a compromise measure has ring strains of the new Philippine national the Spaniards. Much later, the Japanese also been suggested at the expense of the anthem, the Filipino people broke in cheers faced the wrath of the Filipino freedom Philippine government, and we should and tears. Free at last! Or should it have fighters. Slow to anger, patient as Job, quick bring closure to this issue. been ‘‘Free Again!’’ since the pre-Conquest to forgive but unrelenting once he begins to This coming Friday, the Sun and Filipinos were one of the freest societies in fight—such was an apt portrayal of the Fili- recorded Oriental history. Just like the pre- pino by his enemy. Stars will once again be unfurled on Conquest Chamorros in their flying proas, The Philippine-American War turned out the same balcony General Aguinaldo the itinerant and industrious Filipinos of to be ‘‘the most shameful episode in Amer- first proclaimed Philippine independ- yore cavorted freely among their 7,000 is- ican history, worse than Vietnam and the In- ence some 100 years before. I think for lands in their sleek and fast paraws and dian massacres’’, quoting noted Filipino col- the Filipino community on Guam, and vintas. Their age of innocence was soon umnist and writer, Hilarion Henares, Jr. I am proud to say that my congres- ended by the light-skinned conquerors from Based on American official records, Henares sional district is the closest to the the other side of the world carrying swords noted that where the usual ratio between and crosses and speaking in a strange dead and wounded as 1 is to 5 in the Boer Philippines, for Filipino communities tongue. War, American Civil War, Spanish-American all over the United States and all over On that June day, the descendants of War and the World Wars, in the Philippine the world and for all people who love enslaved and conquered Filipinos who finally campaign, it was the exact reverse: for every democracy and independence, June 12, overthrew their masters in a rare, united ef- one Filipino wounded in battle, five were 1998, is a day to celebrate. fort, looked up with awe and reverence at killed. In some instances, ‘‘in Northern Mr. Speaker, I would like to also their brown-skinned leaders who looked so Luzon, 1,014 llocanos were killed and only 95 bring attention and enter an article on young, so powerful, so determined and so wounded, a ratio of 10 killed for everyone trustworthy. The average age of the leaders the Philippine Centennial in the debate wounded.’’ ‘‘Gen. Bell proclaimed: ‘All able of the Philippine-Spanish War was about 29 men will be killed!’’ ‘‘Gen. Smith ordered the at this time. years. In the heady atmosphere of such jubi- Massacre of Samar * * * and further ordered The text of the article is as follows: lation marking the birth of a new, independ- that all persons—men, women, and children Mr. Speaker, this coming June 12, the Re- ent nation, no one even thought that 14 down to 10 years of age—were to be exe- public of the Philippines, Filipinos, and free- months later, these same citizen-soldiers cuted.’’ The Americans paid a high price in dom loving people from all over the world will would be fighting another foreign invader this bloodly and protracted war. Henares commemorate the 100th anniversary of the called ‘‘Americans’’. No one, except for a wrote that the Americans had six times declaration of Philippine independence. On quiet, paraplegic intellectual sitting on his more casualties fighting the Filipinos than wheelchair by the name of Apolinario this occasion, I would like to share with my they had fighting the Spaniards; it took Mabini. He somehow knew that the Ameri- them 42 months to defeat the Filipinos ver- colleagues the thoughts of Dr. Eddie Del cans who were supposed to be friends and sus 6 months to defeat the Spainards; almost Rosario, a Filipino-American who has been a trusted allies harbored their own design, just a year longer than it took them to beat the long-time resident of Guam. In his article, Dr. like the other European powers, for these Japanese in World War II. At the height of del Rosario includes a poem written by beautiful islands. On the last month of that the carnage, Pres. McKinley denounced the Apolinario Mabini, a turn of the century Filipino fateful year of 1898, oblivious of the fact that zona system which was instituted to kill all nationalist who spent two years as a political an empowered group of self-determined members of a neighborhood for crimes com- exile on Guam. Asian people overthrew and declared their mitted by a few. He said, ‘‘It was extermi- independence from their powerful conqueror, nation. The only peace it could beget was THOUGHTS ON THE PHILIPPINE CENTENNIAL the Americans pre-empted the Filipinos, the that of the grave.’’ (By Eddie del Rosario, MD, MPH) Chamorros, the Cubanos, and the Puerto- Apolinario Mabini, the ‘‘Brains of the Phil. By any measure, a hundred years is a high- Ricanos in one fell swoop. In an arrogant dis- Revolution’’ and the ‘‘Sublime Paralytic’’ ly significant milestone in any chronicle of a play of naked imperialism and the power of who never even wielded a machete nor fired group of people, especially if it marks a international economics, culminating in the a gun, much like Dr. Jose Rizal whose great victory after an epic struggle for free- Treaty of Paris, millions of indigenous peo- writings and martyrdom in December 1996 dom. The Filipino people, on June 12, 1898, ple found themselves vassals of another for- sparked the Philippine Revolution, was con- proclaimed their independence from the eign power once more. How would colonial sidered, ironically, by Gen. Arthur Mac- heavy yoke of colonialism and slavery im- Americans have left felt if, right after July Arthur (the father of the ‘‘American Cae- posed on them for 377 years, 2 months, 14 4, 1776, the British sold their patrimony to sar’’, Gen. Douglas MacArthur) as the most days and some odd hours by monarchic the French for 20 million pounds sterling dangerous Filipino alive. Nationalist to the Spain. Unfortunately, it was largely ignored without their knowledge? Doubtless, there core and extremely brilliant, his blistering by most nations, especially by the defeated could have been second American Revolu- disclosures and writings critical of the new foe (Spain) and the ambivalent ally, the tion. And that’s precisely what happened in American rulers made life miserable and de- United States of America. the Philippines 7 months and 22 days after railed the pacification campaign of the Yan- On that day, the Filipinos earned the dis- the June 12, 1898 declaration of Phil. Inde- kee warloads. Guamanian nationalists would tinct honor of being the first indigenous peo- pendence and exactly 14 days after the First have loved to engage Mabini in great con- ple in Asia and Oceania to wrest their free- Phil. Constitution was promulgated, a prod- versations about the ‘‘American Conquis- dom and independence by force of arms from uct of the best Filipino minds in Congress tadors’’ and their misguided philosophy of their European colonial masters. It must Assembled in a stone church in the town of ‘‘Manifest Destiny’’. On Jan. 15, 1901, Gen. have sent shock waves among the imperialist Malolos, province of Bulacan. All that time, MacArthur threw his hands up and exiled nations of Europe and more than a tingle of Admiral Dewey knew that every act of self- Mabini to Guam to silence him. He followed delight and renewed hope among the determination that the Filipino freedom the footsteps of the Spanish despots who, for disenfranchised peoples of Asia and the na- fighters did before and after the Treaty of 300 years, exiled thousands of men and tive islanders of Oceania. I venture to guess Paris, consummated between Spain and women to the Marianas because of crimes H4278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 1998 committed, real or imagined, against the as well as most of the stone houses on the is- If Mabini were alive today, he would ex- State and the Church. Among them was land. hort us with one of the timeless gems he Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora), the Mabini was unshaken nonetheless in his re- wrote a hundred years ago in his True Deca- ‘‘Mother of the Katipunan.’’ Mabini’s voice solve not to reconcile with America. Inspite logue. ‘‘Contribute to the progress of human- was effectively silenced but no one can break of the ministrations of his brother Prudencio ity by developing your own talents, working, his unconquerable spirit. During his two and regular check-ups by an American doc- studying, honing your abilities, never leav- years of exile in ‘‘Fort Asan,’’ he started to tor to ease the distress brought about by his ing the path of righteousness and truth. By master the English language to better parry disabilities, he pined for his beloved country doing so, you will be honored and being hon- the thrusts of his new adversaries. Such was as he wrote his ‘‘opus magnum,’’ the politi- ored, you will glorify God.’’ cal masterpiece entitled ‘‘The Rise and Fall the steely resolve of this frail but coura- ADIOS ASAN geous patriot. His voice may be silenced but of the Philippine Republic.’’ Agonizing over (By Don Apolinario Mabini) not his mighty pen and his sharp mind. his frailty and mortality and fearing that he Apolinaro Mabini, together with 52 other might die without a country, Mabini finally (English translation from Spanish original) political exiles and ‘‘Irreconcilables’’ who re- gave in. He wrote a beautiful and plaintive Adios, Asani Adios, Agana! fused to pledge allegiance to the American poem entitled ‘‘Adios, Asan’’ which he hand- We bid thee adieu, We, the unfortunate vic- flag, made good use of their time to ingra- ed to Maximo Tolentino before he sailed tims of the love for a sacred ideal; tiate themselves with the native populace back to the Philippines with Juan Villanio, a We vow thee our loyalty for thy humani- whom they felt close kinship with. A verita- Spaniard who fought on the side of the Fili- tarian hospitality. ble Who’s Who among the Phil. intelligentsia pinos. On Feb. 26, 1903, moments after he Adios, Asian! Our favorite village, on whose and revolutionaries, they included such lu- alighted from the U.S.S. Thomas on Phil- sands our pains have been sprinkled, minaries as Generals Pio del Pilar, Mariano ippine soil, he took the oath of allegiance to and our tears spread; Llanera, Artemio Ricarte, and Maximino the Stars and Stripes. Refusing offers of Your name I shall Never forget. Hizon; prominent lawyers such as Leon Flo- money and a high government position from Adios, Agana! Soon I shall leave thee; res (father of the late Archbishop Felixberto U.S. officials, he deigned to live quietly in May heaven shower Happiness on thee; Flores of the Archdiocese of Agana), his nipa hut along the Pasig River in Manila. Adios, my brothers, sisters, of my soul Barely three months later, he died, a victim Pancracio Palting (father of the late Guam Adios! Farewell! Adios! Senator Paul Palting), Pablo Ocampo and of the cholera epidemic of 1903. Thousands of Mr. Speaker, I would like to point Julian Gerona; seasoned patriots such as friends and foes alike bade him farewell as a twelve-horse carriage carried his mortal re- out that Guam’s own role in the Phil- Maximo Lorenzo Tolentino was stayed and ippine independence movement was lived in Santa Rita, and many others. mains along the streets of Manila. For the longest time until his death on His words ring true almost a century later significant in that ironically a number May 13, 1964 at the ripe age of 88, Maximo to remind us that a nation’s freedom comes of Philippine insurrectionists were put Tolentino was the only living, direct link on at a great cost. in exile on Guam at the turn of this Guam between the tempestous past and the ‘‘. . . Let us fight while a grain of strength century and many ties have resulted idyllic present. He was a living witness of is left us; let us acquit ourselves like men, even though the lot of the present genera- from that. I urge again this body to the Philippine Revolution. He consorted with tion is conflict and sacrifice. It matters not pass the resolution and more impor- the great and the near-great of that epoch. whether we die in the midst or at the end of tantly to address the issues of Phil- Tolentino married a Chamorrita, Tomasa our most painful day’s work the generations Crisostomo Lizama from Julale, Agana and ippine veterans equity. to come praying over our tombs, will shed sired a son (who died at the tender age of Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 for us tears of love and gratitude, and not of three) and two daughters, Mrs. Maria T. minutes to the gentleman from Califor- bitter reproach.’’ nia (Mr. ROHRABACHER). Ignacio and Mrs. Carmen T. Cruz, both of I like to think that Mabini spent a lot of Santa Rita. As of this writing, the reconciled happy and peaceful moments on Guam. Even Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I patriot Tolentino’s descendants include ten now, as one visits his memorial on the quiet would like to thank the gentleman grandchildren, one of whom is Emilesia T. and timeless sands of Asan, in between the from New York (Mr. GILMAN) for pro- Anderson who provided valuable information sound of the breaking waves, I whisper to viding me this opportunity to just add to this writer, and thirty great-grand- this great patriot that he did not die in vain; a couple of points to the statement children. that the American regime, for the most part, According to Monsignor Oscar L. Calvo, a that I made earlier about the Phil- showered great benevolence to his beloved ippines. Of course I support the gentle- local clergy and historian, the people; that the cruelty of the Spanish rulers ‘‘Irreconcilables’’ were suave and debonair was not enough to kill the humanity of the man’s position that we should return (‘‘caballeros’’ as they were described on Filipino race because their Faith in God sus- those bells. It is an insult to the people Guam). Hardly a weekend passed where there tained them; that the Americans opened up of the Philippines. There is no reason wasn’t party to which they were invited. the hearts and minds of a subdued people for a country that is so close to us now They invariably charmed their way into the through the wonders of universal education, that we should not bend over back- hearts of their hosts. They were also allowed that the Americans, through the military ge- wards to be sensitive to their pride in to hold parties of their own to reciprocate nius of Gen. Douglas MacArthur whose fa- for the local hospitality. Monsignor Palomo those parts of their culture. But let us ther caused him undue torment, more than note when we talk about the Phil- and the U.S. Navy officials often engaged compensated for their past sins by dying by Mabini in long conversations as they prome- the thousands alongside their true brown ippines that that is one of the lesser nade in their horse and carriage. Local peo- brothers in the defense and eventual libera- problems and challenges they face. ple and government officials sought their tion of his beloved Philippines from the cruel They are working hard to develop their legal assistance and advice which were freely and avaricious Japanese; that the fruits and economy, they are working hard and given. There was no record of any attempt blessings of a true democracy are enjoyed ev- struggling hard to make sure that they by these ‘‘dangerous exiles’’ to forment civil eryday by everyone which allows each indi- disobedience nor rebellion among the native maintain a democracy, but one of the vidual to be independent, productive and in- greatest threats to the Philippines now inhabitants. Tony Palomo, a local writer and tegrated with society as a whole; that the historian, wrote in the May 7, 1961 issue of Filipinos are well on their way to accomplish comes from mainland China. the Territorial Sun that according to greater things, aided and abetted by a gov- The Chinese, the Communist Chinese, Maximo Tolentino, Gen. Artemio Ricarte ernment of the people, by the people and for are in a territorial dispute with the who chose to go to Japan instead after the the people, a form of government wished by Philippines, and we in the United ‘‘Irreconcilables’’ were sent back to the him for his country and ultimately handed States who support democracy, we in Phlippines, wrote to him to induce him to freely by the Americans whom he suspected the United States who believe in a get the Filipnos in Guam to start an uprising as just another cruel taskmaster, that on the more peaceful world and a peaceful so- against the Americans. Tolentino wrote back beautiful island of Guam where he was ex- asking Ricarte not to write to him anymore iled, there are now tens of thousands of in- lution to the problems in the Pacific about these things, citing that the Filipnos habitants of Filipino lineage engaged in na- should stand very closely to the Phil- have adopted Guam as their new home and tion-building, aware of their proud heritage, ippines at this time and let the Com- that they are happy and contented with their thankful to their noble heroes for restoring munist Chinese know that we will not families. their dignity as Freemen, ever-conscious of tolerate the use of military force the After most of the exiles finally decided to what Dr. Jose Rizal wrote in affirming the Chinese seem bent on doing in their in- swear allegiance to the American flag, they inalienability of rights: ‘‘God gave each indi- tentions to grab the Spratley Islands. were allowed to sail back to their mother- vidual reason and a will of his or her own to Already we have been told that a per- land on Sept. 21, 1902. On the eve of their de- distinguish the just from the unjust; all were parture, Marine Sgt. James Holland Under- born without shackles and free, and nobody manent Chinese presence has been es- wood gave them a big farewell party. A day has a right to subjugate the will and spirit of tablished in the last few years in the after they left, a powerful earthquake shook another.’’, and ever-vigliant in guarding the Spratley Islands. This is outrageous. Guam and demolished the church in Hagatna principle that All Men are Created Equal. We have found after just it seems like June 9, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4279 a few brief moments of not paying at- thousands of courageous Filipinos took up anese imperialism in World War II where they tention that the Communist Chinese arms to continue the fight through guerilla war- fought alongside American soldiers, as they have come into the Spratley Islands fare against enormous odds. Not only did they did again in Korea and Vietnam. with their warships and established a undermine the occupation forces, but they pro- In addition to our historic ties, today our na- presence in the Spratley Islands. This vided valuable intelligence to U.S. forces in tions are also united by our strong economic is an act of intimidation, it is an act of the Southwest Pacific, rescued downed Amer- ties. The Philippines is the twenty-first largest a bully, and our best friend in the Pa- ican pilots and diverted powerful enemy forces trading partner of the United States and ab- cific, the Philippines, is being bullied from deployment elsewhere. sorbs a large amount of U.S. exports. by the Communist Chinese. We need to An estimated 60,000 to 80,000 surviving Fil- As the years pass, I am confident that our stand by the Philippines by giving ipino veterans, however, have been denied bilateral relations will only grow strongerÐthe them the means that they need at the the full range and extent of veterans benefits bonds between our nations go beyond the dip- very least to protect their own inter- available to American veterans with whom lomatic relations we have with most nations; ests to their own territory. they fought side by side. This is an intolerable these are bonds between people fostered by To deter this type of aggression from situation and we must resolve to remedy this our historic relationship and maintained out of China and belligerence from China, we tragic and insensitive dilemma. mutual respect and admiration for one an- need to move forward to ensure that as I urge my colleagues to review the provi- other. we have surplus ships and airplanes sions of H.R. 836, the Philippines Veterans Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield that we are taking out of service from Equity Act, and support the effort to bring the back the balance of my time. the Cold War, we should be providing bill to the House floor for debate and enact- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The these to the Philippines, at no cost or ment. question is on the motion offered by at very low cost, because it does not Mr. BERMAN. I rise in support of H. Res. the gentleman from New York (Mr. 404 regarding American-Philippines relations, cost us anything, we are just going to GILMAN) that the House suspend the store them out in the middle of the regarding Taiwan's positive role in the Asian rules and agree to the resolution, desert, let us give these weapons that financial crisis and affirming American support House Resolution 404. for peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait are surplus weapons, Cold War weap- The question was taken; and (two- and security for Taiwan's democracy. ons, to the Philippines and let them de- thirds having voted in favor thereof) There is no more apt time than the centen- fend themselves so that they can make nial of American-Philippine relations to salute the rules were suspended and the reso- sure that they deter any aggression in the enduring friendship between our two coun- lution was agreed to. the future. This is what friendship is tries. It is a friendship which has flourished de- A motion to reconsider was laid on all about. spite its tragic beginnings in a conflict first with the table. As we are now patting ourselves on the Spanish and subsequently with Filipino f the back and patting the Philippines independince fighters. But we learned from on the back for being a democratic ACKNOWLEDGING POSITIVE ROLE that struggle and subsequently worked dili- country, let us make sure we remember OF TAIWAN IN ASIAN FINANCIAL gently to grant independence as quickly as CRISIS they are in need of somebody standing possible. American teachers spread through- beside them in this confrontation with out the archipelago bringing the benefits of Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to China. modern education to the majority of the coun- suspend the rules and agree to the con- Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield try. In World War II, Filipino troops fought current resolution (H. Con. Res. 270) ac- back the balance of my time. bravely side-by-side with American forces and knowledging the positive role of Tai- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Filipino guerrilla fighters were indispensable in wan in the current Asian financial cri- myself such time as I may consume. the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese sis and affirming the support of the Mr. Speaker, this is an important occupation. The Philippines continued, even American people for peace and stabil- and a timely resolution recognizing the after independence, to be America's most im- ity on the Taiwan Strait and security importance of the Philippines and their portant ally in Asia, again contributing troops for Taiwan’s democracy, as amended. relations with our Nation. It is sup- to the Korean Conflict and to the Vietnam The Clerk read as follows: ported by the administration and has War. We owe a debt of gratitude, if not more, H. Con. Res. 270 significant bipartisan backing. Accord- to our Philippine friends. We all rejoiced when ingly, I urge my colleagues in the Whereas the President of the United States the Filipino ``people power revolution'' over- has announced he intends to travel to Bei- House to fully adopt this measure. threw the Marcos dictatorship. The Mulitlateral jing in June 1998 to discuss the common in- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Aid Initiative for the Philippines that the terests of the United States and the People’s support for enactment of House Resolution Amercian Congress launched following the fall Republic of China; 404, regarding relations between the people of of Marcos was an effort not only to dem- Whereas the American people desire strong relations with the people on both sides of the the United States and those of the Philippines. onstrate our support for Filipino democracy but It is significant that we enact the resolution Taiwan Strait; also to show our lasting commitment to an en- Whereas it is the policy of the United to salute and congratulate the Philippines on during close relationship with the Philippines. the 100th anniversary of its independence States Government to take all necessary ac- This continues to be the basis for our policy tion to ensure peace and stability on the Tai- from Spain and its achievement of the estab- and it is instructive that during the current wan Strait, while continuing mutually bene- lishment of its democracy. Asian financial crisis it is the democratic coun- ficial trade relations with Taiwan’s vibrant It is also noteworthy that the resolution also try of the Philipines which has so far escaped economy; thanks the Philippines for aiding the U.S. in the worst effects of the crisis Whereas the American people have repeat- World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam. I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- edly welcomed and supported democracy for It underscores the need for Congress to enact tion of which I am an original cosponsor. the people of Taiwan; the Filipino Veterans Equity Act to extend full Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Whereas Taiwan set an example for democ- ratization in the region having successfully veterans benefits to Filipino soldiers who strong support of H. Res. 404 which com- fought along side U.S. soldiers in World War held free and fair elections at the local and memorates the 100 years of relations between national level and encouraging the develop- II. the people of the Philippines and the people of ment of democratic institutions; Mr. Speaker, approximately 200,000 Filipino the United States. Whereas the American people seek to pro- soldiers were under the command of General As an original co-sponsor of this resolution mote economic stability and growth amidst Douglas MacArthur during the early months of and a Member who represents one of the larg- the current financial turmoil in the Asia-Pa- World War II. During that period, our armed est Filipino communities in the Nation, I am cific region; forces in the Philippines were isolated from keenly aware of the many contributions that Whereas Taiwan’s economy has weathered food, medical and ammunition supplies. Fili- Filipinos have made to this country and of the the current Asian financial crisis better than pino soldiers displayed exemplary loyalty and others in the region; immense importance of continued good rela- Whereas Taiwan has proposed to use var- courage in the defense of their nation and tions with the nation of the Philippines. ious means to help stabilize the economies of fought in every major battle, including Bataan As President Clinton once said, the Phil- many of its neighbors, including possibilities and Corregidor. ippines is our oldest friend in Asia. for action by the Asian Pacific Economic Co- Beyond the outstanding conduct of the regu- This bill recognizes the great sacrifices that operation (APEC) forum of which it is a lar Army forces, after the islands fell to Japan, the Filipinos made in the struggle against Jap- member;