Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007

Caucus Chronicle

US- Friendship Caucus Newsletter FRIENDSHIP CAUCUS 4th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL ISSUE

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY PHILIPPINE ARROYO LEADS IN BUILDING “ONE CARING & SHARING COMMUNITY” IN REGION Inside this issue: President Gloria Macapagal- The President, who chaired all "The peoples of Asia are the RP & Millennium Chal- 2 Arroyo today thanked the the meetings, said that the victors in these summits as we lenge Account leaders of the Asia-Pacific summits made the march forward in the collec- Recommendations on 2 region for attending the 12th proud as they emerged trium- tive spirit of hope within this unexplained killings ASEAN Summit and the re- phant after the gatherings that century," the President said. welcome lated summits, which the Phil- produced several documents Aside from the 12th ASEAN Ambassador’s Corner 3 ippines successfully hosted with far-reaching benefits for (continued on p.9) here from Jan. 10 to 15. the peoples in the region. Caucus Member Focus 3 In her opening statement at the Together in this battle 4 press conference held on 15 Testimony excerpts January at the Cebu Interna- 5 tional Convention Center Arroyo. Romulo Caucus 6 (CICC), the President thanked anniversary messages the leaders for the honor they Caucus Photo Spread have bestowed on the Philip- 6 pines and for working in unity How it all began 7 in establishing a one caring President Arroyo with leaders from ASEAN member countries and dia- and sharing community in the logue partners Japan, China, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand Early Roots of coopera- 8 and India before the formal opening of the 2nd East Asia Summit on Janu- tion region. ary 15, 2007 at the Cebu International Convention Center . (Julius Reyes) Arroyo on human rts 10

11 Arroyo on economy UNITY BEHIND VETERANS ISSUE; KEY BILLS FILED RP UPDATES Key groups and officials have agreed on a uni- organization and veterans advocacy groups from fied strategy to secure justice and equity for the all over the . Two representatives • Terror law near pas- Filipino WWII Veterans in the 110th US Con- from the -based Veterans Foundation of sage gress. the Philippines also attended the conference. • ASEAN terror agree- ment signed in RP On 6–7 December 2007, the Philippine Em- At the heart of discussion during the conference • East Asia Energy bassy in Washington D.C. convened and were two major pieces of legislation pending in Agreement signed in hosted a national planning conference on the the U.S. Congress: H.R. 4574 (Filipino Veter- RP Filipino World War II Veterans issue. The con- ans Equity Act of 2006) – authored by Rep. • Melo unexplained killings report released ference was co-hosted by the National Federa- Darrell Issa, (Republican) of California with 39 tion of Filipino-American Associations other House Members as co-sponsors. • People Power com- memorated (NAFFAA) and attended by 73 leaders/ (continued on p.2) • Peso increases strength members representing 25 Filipino-American • Foreign portfolio in- vestments post huge net inflows RP DELIVERS MAJOR BLOW AGAINST TERROR • 2006 export earnings The last few months have seen ASG, which has links to the at 14%, exceeds targets the Armed Forces of the Phil- regional terrorist group Je- • Inflation continues to slow down to 3.9% in ippines deal decisive blows maah Islamiyah and to Al January against the leadership of the Qaeda, has been the subject of • 5.8% GDP forecast Abu Sayyaf terrorist group intense and sustained military growth for 2007 (ASG). Two top leaders of the offensives aimed at eliminat- • $1.2 B projected 2007 ASG, Khadaffy Janjalani and ing their ability to carry out savings to infrastruc- Abu Solaiman, were killed in terrorist acts. ture, social services separate encounters with Phil- • Coke invests $600M (continued on p. 8) RP,US troops prepare for joint train- ippine security forces. The ing exercises. Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 2

The Millennium Challenge Account: Championing the Filipino, Promoting Good Governance

With the support of the Millennium Chal- policies in three (3) key areas: Ruling Justly, lenge Corporation (MCC), the Philippines Investing in People, and Encouraging Eco- is reinvigorating its efforts to stamp-out nomic Freedom. corruption, plug revenue leaks, increase tax collection, and ultimately, channel As a Threshold Country, the Philippines’ more resources to poverty-reduction pro- inclusion in program is a recognition of the Demonstrating this country’s resolve to strengthen good govern- grams. resolve, President ance, promote the improved health and edu- On 26 July 2006, the Philippines was cation of Filipinos, and adopt sound eco- Macapagal Arroyo awarded US$21 million by the MCC to nomic policies that encourage entrepreneur- earmarked 1.0 implement a 2-year program on strength- ship and stimulate economic growth. billion pesos ening anti-corruption efforts and improv- (US$21 million) as ing revenue administration under the Demonstrating this resolve, President Maca- Threshold Country Program of the Millen- pagal Arroyo earmarked 1.0 billion pesos counterpart fund, nium Challenge Account (MCA). (US$21 million) as counterpart fund, the the first for an first for an MCA partner. MCC cited this According to Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, initiative as “unique and shows commitment MCA partner. MCC the MCC performs a crucial task in help- to succeed.” cited this initiative ing bring about positive change around the as “unique and There are four (4) components in the Philip- world. It is in this context that the Philip- shows pine Embassy, in its dialogues with the pine Threshold Program: commitment to members of the US Congress, consistently • Strengthen the Office of the Ombuds- expresses strong support for the MCC.` man; succeed.” The MCC assesses the degree to which the • Strengthen the Bureau of Internal Reve- political, social and economic policies in a nue (BIR) focusing on the Bureau’s Run country serve to promote broad-based sus- After (continued on p.10) tainable economic growth. It measures

Gov't welcomes all recommendations in resolving unexplained killings Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said on Upon receipt of the report of the five-man 21 February 2007 that the government fact-finding body last month, the President welcomes all recommendations, including immediately issued several directives to dif- that of United Nations Special Rapporteur ferent government agencies, including the Philip Alston, in resolving the issue of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). extra-judicial killings and providing jus- These include the consolidation of the differ- tice to the families of the victims. ent government agencies and resources, invit- "The government is prepared to look into ing the international community including the Professor Alston’s recommendations and European Union to assist in the investiga- see how these can be dovetailed with the tions, ensuring the protection of witnesses, measures already slated by President Ar- fielding more special prosecutors and the royo as a result of the Melo Commission installation of special courts for human rights Report, such as the strengthening of the violations. Witness Protection Program (WPP) and The commission last week gave a confiden- the creation of special courts by the Su- tial briefing on their findings and recommen- After a ten day visit to the Philippines, preme Court," he said in a statement. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on dations to Alston, who came to the country extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary To show that her administration is not on the invitation of the Arroyo administra- executions Alston praised President condoning the killings, President Gloria tion. Ar-royo for “unqualified cooperation” and said her government’s invitation Macapagal-Arroyo created the Melo Com- Upon reading the Melo Report, Alston ac- “reflects a clear recognition of the mission as early as August last year, gravity of the problem, a willingness to knowledged the independence of the fact- permit outside scrutiny and a very headed by retired Supreme Court Justice finding panel but recommended a more bal- welcome preparedness to engage on Jose Melo, to investigate and put a stop to anced outcome of the investigation because the issue.” the slaying of journalists and leftist ele- ments. (continued on p. 11) Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 3

Caucus Members in Focus

NANCY PELOSI (D-California) Ambassador’s strong proponent of increased invest- ments in health research, and has se- Corner Since 1987, Nancy Pelosi has repre- sented California's Eighth District in cured funding to double the budget for the House of Representatives. Over- the National Institutes of Health. whelmingly elected by her colleagues Pelosi has long been an advocate for in the fall of 2002 as Democratic human rights around the world. She Leader of the House of Representa- has fought to improve China's human tives, Nancy Pelosi is the first woman rights record, attempting to tie trade to in American history to lead a increased human rights stan- major party in the U.S. Con- dards. She has also been a gress. Before being elected leader on efforts to free the Leader, she served as House people of Tibet. Democratic Whip for one year and was responsible for the Pelosi hails from a strong party's legislative strategy in family tradition of public ser- the House. On January 4, vice. Her father, Thomas 2007, Nancy Pelosi was D'Alesandro, Jr., served as As we mark the fourth anniversary of the Mayor of Baltimore for 12 years, after establishment of the U.S.-Philippine elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. representing the city for five terms in Friendship Caucus, I would like to express Congress. Her brother, Thomas D'Ale- my heartfelt appreciation to all the Caucus As a senior member of the House Ap- sandro III, also served as Mayor of members for their steadfast and valuable propriations Committee, Pelosi fought Baltimore. support for the Philippines and the Filipino for America's families. She has been a people. leader in increasing educational oppor- Pelosi graduated from Trinity College tunity, protecting workers, and promot- in Washington, D.C. in 1962. Pelosi The Caucus has been a powerful symbol of and her husband, Paul Pelosi, a native the historic and strategic partnership be- ing health care, including women's health and the creation of a nationwide of San Francisco, have five children: tween the Philippines and the U.S. and of Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, the close bonds of friendship between the health tracking network to examine the links between environmental pollutants Paul and Alexandra, and six grandchil- Filipino and American people. The Caucus dren. has also been an active body instrumental in and chronic disease. She has been a the achievement of common goals and in- terests between our two countries. TOM LANTOS (D- California) Washington in Seattle and later earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the Univer- As such, the Philippine Government does Tom Lantos has served as a Member of not fail to value the understanding and sup- the United States Congress since 1981 sity of California, Berkeley. port of the U.S Congress in sustaining as- and is currently the Chair of the Inter- For three decades prior to his service in sistance for the Philippines. national Relations Committee. Congress (1950-1980), Tom Lantos In 2006 alone, U.S assistance increased by Born in Budapest, he is the only holo- was a professor of economics, an inter- national affairs analyst for public tele- 32% over the previous year with the intro- caust survivor ever to serve in the U.S. vision, and a consultant to a number of duction of new initiatives such as support Congress. As a young boy, Tom was businesses. He also served in senior for the Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) sent to Szob, a small village about 40 advisory roles to members of program and the Philippine Police’s trans- miles north of Budapest where the United States Senate. formation plan; cooperation in enhancing his labor battalion built and Philippine anti-terror capacities; anti- maintained a key bridge on As a Member of the House of corruption and revenue generating pro- the Budapest-Vienna rail line Representatives, Tom Lantos grams under the Millennium Challenge until he managed to escape. founded the Congressional Account; and the launching of a U.S. initia- He put his "Aryan" coloring Human Rights Caucus in 1983 tive under the World Food Programme tar- (blond hair and blue eyes), to and in 1990, became the first geted for 2.1 million beneficiaries in Min- good use, moving around Bu- U.S official to visit Albania danao. dapest in a military cadet's since 1946. He is responsible uniform, delivering bread or medicine for getting the House to vote for As we face the challenges of the coming that could mean the difference between $300M in humanitarian relief in Su- year, I look forward to closely working life and death for others in various safe dan, with 2/3 targeted at Darfur. He with the Caucus and members of the U.S. houses. Congress to further strengthening and en- also has a strong record on environ- ment protection and has fought for hancing the Philippine-U.S. alliance. Tom began studies at the University of Budapest in the fall of 1946 and was reform of the nation's energy policy awarded a Hillel Foundation scholar- Tom is married to Annette Lantos. ship to study in the United States in They have two daughters - Annette and 1947. He received his B.A. and M.A. Katrina. in Economics from the University of Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 4

Together in this Battle Testimony of the Embassy of the Philippines, Hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans of World War II, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, US House of Representatives, February 15, 2007 Thank you for inviting us to appear before you and for the opportunity to speak on an issue of great importance to my gov- ernment and to the Filipino people. When the war in the Pacific ended, Filipino soldiers set their weapons aside, laid their fallen comrades to rest and col- lected the shattered remains of their lives. For them, the end of the war had meant peace, and with peace had come hope. Little did they know that while the carnage and destruction of war had ended, they would be facing a new battle – one that would rage and drag on for decades. This would be a fight that would once more call upon the courage, perseverance and sacrifice that they had unselfishly shown in the bloodied foxholes of Bataan and Corregidor, in the steaming jun- gles of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and in the death camps of Capas, Fort Santiago and Muntinlupa. This would be a tragic battle that would once again force them to witness their comrades fall one by one, not by the bullets or bayo- nets of an enemy, but by the ravages of time and the pain of ineq- uity. Today, few of these living symbols of the very freedoms and liber- MGen Delfin N. Lorenzana Ret. (Head Office of Veterans Affairs, Philippine Embassy), Minister Carlos D. Sorreta ties that we now enjoy remain. Before this month’s end, there will (Charge d’ Affaires, Philippine Embassy), Ronald R. Aument be fewer still. But in this battle, they have not been alone. For there (Dep USec, US Department of Veterans Affairs) during their have been those in the Congress of the United States who have testimonies before the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing at the Capitol Hill on February 15, 2007. (Photo by: stood boldly by our brave soldiers. Eric Lachica – ACFV) Possessed of a profound sense of history, and a deep appreciation for the common values that both our countries hold dear and have fought for, many in this and past Congresses had waged their own battles on behalf of our veterans for justice and equity. (continued on page 11)

Unity behind Veterans issue (from p.1) Estimated annual cost: $160M, and S. 146 (Filipino Veterans mittee, Rep Bob Filner, came to the Philippine Embassy to Equity Act of 2005) – authored by Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, talk with the conference participants. Both legislators ex- (Democrat) of Hawaii with 8 other Senators as co-sponsors. pressed optimism that the Filipino Veterans Equity Bills will Estimated annual cost: $160.M pass during the 110th Congress. These two major pieces of legislation respond to two major At the conclusion of the conference in the afternoon of De- concerns regarding this issue. One is the recognition of cember 7, the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, “services” of Filipino World War II Veterans as “active ser- Willy C. Gaa, and 35 conferees went to Capitol Hill and met vice” to the military of the United States and the other is the with Rep Darrell Issa, Co-Chair of the Philippine Friendship grant of “benefits” associated with the military services once Caucus in the Lower House. Rep. Issa expressed optimism recognized. on the chances of the Filipino Veterans Equity Bills in the Participants to the conference also acknowledged the impor- incoming Congress. tant role and support that members of the U.S. Congress have After many years of trying to arrive at a just and equitable on this issue. Veterans advocates will be aggressively reach resolution to this issue, there appears to be some positive mo- out and work closely with legislators in their respective dis- mentum currently being generated that could possibly result tricts and States. The Filipino American community is quite into significant progress for the Filipino World War II Veter- aware of the valuable contributions made by U.S. lawmakers, ans issue. in particular the members of the U.S. – Philippines Friendship By coordinating the efforts of the Filipino – American com- Caucus, that have co-sponsored H.R. 4574 and S. 146, and munity, the Philippine Embassy and members of the U.S. other initiatives made to benefit the welfare of Filipino World Congress under a unified strategy, the prospects of H.R. 4574 War II veterans. th and S. 146 under the 110 Congress look promising. Should The conference was graced by the presence of Sen. Daniel such a laudable undertaking be achieved, the long wait for Akaka, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, who due recognition of the sacrifices of the old and dying Filipino addressed the participants on 06 December 2006. The follow- World War II Veterans that fought beside American soldiers ing day, the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Com- for the cause of freedom may finally be over. Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 5

Excerpts of Testimonies before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, 15 February 2007

Rep Michael M. Honda (D-CA) – “I consider the rescission injustice brought about by the Rescission Act of 1946. If of the US military status from approximately 250,000 Filipino indeed the cost is an issue, our response to this argument is WWII veterans who fought under US command as one of the a question: When is the cost of freedom ever free. How can greatest injustices ever perpetrated by the Congress. After 6 US ever have a short memory of the sacrifices of our veter- decades of disgrace, we have the responsibility to correct this ans.” injustice and honor their service and sacrifice, and our win- Franco Arcebal, WWII veteran & Vice President, dow of opportunity to make these brave veterans whole is American Coalition of Fil Veterans – “I join other testi- rapidly closing.” monies to justify passage of HR 760. Our coalition leaders Rep Masik K. Hirono (D-HI) - “As a member of the Con- view the Equity Bill in five parts: 1. US recognition of our gressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the United WWII service; 2. VA burial benefits; 3. War injury com- States-Philippine Friendship Caucus, I strongly support HR pensation; 4. VA health care; 5. Non-service connected 760, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007.” disability pension. Over the past decade, our coalition’s Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) – “I am proud to be mission is to restore full US Government recognition and to win equitable US VA benefits for our veterans. We believe an original co-sponsor of HR 760, the Filipino Veterans Eq- that the passage of Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007, uity Act of 2007 . . . In essence, HR 760 makes good on the promise our government made to these brave men over sixty we can finally overcome the discriminatory effects of the years ago.” Rescission Act of 1946.” Richard R. Aument, Deputy Undersecretary, US Dept of Susan E. Dilkes, daughter of a WWII veteran & Execu- Veterans Affairs – “For purposes of VA benefits and ser- tive Director, Filipino-American Service Group, Inc., vices, members of the Philippine Armed Forces can be cate- Los Angeles – “If Congress does not act soon, there will be no one left. This is your last chance to correct a wrong, gorized as having served in of four groups: Regular Philippine which is now more than half a century old. I believe you are Scouts, Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized men and women of good intentions, and now it is the time Guerilla Units and New Philippine Scouts.” to convert those good intentions into law” Col Romeo M. Monteyro PA (Ret), Spokesman, WWII Veterans Federation of San Diego County, California – Alma Q Kern, daughter of a WWII veteran & National “Isn’t high time for the Filipino soldier who fought for Amer- Chair, National Federation of Filipino American Asso- ciations, Inc – “We implore you to act honorably on our ica be rewarded, if only for their loyalty? Former Congress- message: That the Filipino WWII veterans have been man Stump who headed this Committee during his time in Congress asked, And where do you suggest we get the money treated unfairly by the US during the past 61 years. We also for the Filipino veterans? My answer to that is, from the same urge the American people to stand with us and support our source which funds the Iraq war. The Iraqis have not done veterans cause as this is an issue that cries out for American justice and a matter of honor not just for this generation but anything in defense of America. In fact most of them hate us, and even as we speak, are trying to kill American soldiers. On for generations to come. the other hand Filipino veterans fought for America and their Alec Petkoff, (US Army veteran) Assistant Director, shabby treatment notwithstanding, have remained loyal and Veterans Affairs and rehabilitation Commission, The ever ready to stand by America.” American Legion – “The American Legion supports full recognition and benefits to all veterans, American or Fili- LtCol Edwin Price Ramsey Ret. US Army. WWII veteran pino, who were part of the defense of the Philippine Islands and former member of the 26th Cavalry, Philippine during WWII. The American Legion has adopted a resolu- Scouts and leader of 45,000-strong guerilla unit in central Luzon – “When we inducted the Filipinos into the guerilla tion to “Support Legislation to Grant Filipino WWII Veter- forces, we required that they all swear allegiance to the ans Equal VA benefits.” United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Phil- Richard F. Weidman, (Vietnam Veteran) Executive Di- ippines. Therefore, all those guerillas that were recognized rector for Policy and Government Affairs, Vietnam Vet- after the liberation would have the same status. In that con- erans of America – “The long struggle staged by Filipino nection, I question why there was a difference in the treatment veterans demanding equity in their treatment by the United accorded to the 65,000 Puerto Rico troops and those from States has gone on for more than half a century. Vietnam Hawaii and elsewhere. Veterans of America strongly believes because of the aging population of Filipino veterans there is an urgent need for Lourdes S. Tancinco, Co-Chair, National Network for this proposed legislation. As there as so few of these distin- Veterans Equity & Chair, San Francisco Veterans Equity guished fighters for America’s freedom left alive, the cost Center – “We strongly believe that only a full recognition is negligible in comparison to the size of the Federal and restoration of the full and equal benefits of all Filipino WWII veterans will address this more than a half century of Budget. Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 6

RP-US Congress Friendship Caucus 4th Anniversary

I wish to congratulate the members of the US- I would like to congratulate the Philippine Friendship Caucus in the U.S House of Rep- members of the U.S-Philippine resentatives on the occasion of its 4th anniversary. The Friendship Caucus in the U.S creation of the US-Philippine Friendship Caucus in House of Representatives on the 2003 was truly a historic event, being the first ever occasion of the fourth founding such group formed to symbolize and represent the close partnership of the Philippines and the U.S in the U.S anniversary of the Caucus. House of Representatives. As we move towards our fifth year I especially wish to thank those who supported the of close engagement and coopera- cause of the Filipino Veterans of World War II. The Philippines warmly tion, I would like to assure the members of the Caucus welcomes the passage of House Resolution 622, which recognizes and hon- of the Philippine government’s resolve and commit- ors the Filipino World War II veterans’ important contributions, as they ment to work closely with you in achieving goals and fought alongside their American comrades for the liberation of the Philip- objectives of mutual interest and benefit. pines and the victorious outcome of military operations in the Pacific Thea- ter during WWII. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Finally, allow me to express my appreciation to the members of the Caucus members of the Caucus for being responsive to the for their continued support on issues of concern and relevance to the Philip- needs and concerns of the Filipino community in their pines, the Filipino people and the Filipino-American community in your respective districts. respective districts. Through the U.S-Philippine Friendship Caucus and The Philippine Government looks forward to working closely with the Cau- other like-minded organizations the close friendship cus in pursuit of our common interests and in the forging of stronger ties. Mabuhay! and historic partnership of our countries will continue to flourish.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Alberto G. Romulo President of the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs

President with Caucus members during her US State Visit in May 2003. from left: Congressman Bob Scott, VA; Cong. Bradley Sherman, CA; Cong. Bob Filner; CA, Cong. Darrell Issa CA; Cong. Trent Franks, AZ (partly hidden); Cong. Shelley Berkley NV; Cong. Charles Rangel, NY.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert with Caucus members at the First Anniver- sary of the establishment of the Caucus in 2004. From left: Cong. Dana Rohrabacher, CA; Cong. Trent Franks,AZ; Cong.Bob Filner, CA ( partly hidden);Cong. Darrell Issa, CA.

Ambassador Gaa with Cong. Mike Honda at the latter’s office on 18 Jan 2007. During their talks Ambassador Gaa thanked Representative Honda for his continued support to the Filipino WWII Veterans campaign for benefits from the US Government for the past years. Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 7

The Caucus: How it all began Launched on 12 February 2003, the RP-US Friendship Caucus is an informal bi-partisan Congressional Member Organization in the US Congress whose goal is to further strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the United States. The RP-US Friendship Caucus is chaired by Cong. Darrell Issa (R-California) and Cong. Bob Filner (D-California) and co- founded by Congressmen Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas), Lane Evans (D- Illinois), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California) and former Cong. Duke Cunningham ( R-California). The Filipino-American community is the second largest Asian-American minority group in the United States. Through the years, the RP-US Friendship Caucus has succeeded in promoting legislation that addressed the domestic needs and concerns of the Fil-Am community, in particular, broadening health benefits to Filipino-American veterans. The Caucus has also served as an avenue for pursuing issues of mutual interest to the United States and the Philippines. From 54 founding members in 2003, the Caucus has now increased its membership to 81. Members come from a cross- section of US legislators, many of whom from districts with large Filipino-American communities.

Cong. William Pascrell's ( NJ) joins the Filipino-American President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with Caucus community in celebrating Philippine Independence at a members (from left) Cong. Madeleine Bordallo, Philippine Day Parade and Festival in NJ. Guam; GMA; Cong. Susan Davis, CA. in May 2003

Cong. Filner and Amb. Gaa with the participants to the Filipino-American World War II Veterans National Planning Conference at the Philippine Embassy on 8 Dec. 07 Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 8

Early roots of RP-US Congress cooperation

The seeds of cooperation between On June 20, 1926, the Philippine Filipinos and the U.S. Congress were Government dedicated a memorial in planted early when the late Congress- his honor in Warsaw, Virginia, Con- man William Atkinson Jones au- gressman Jones' hometown. The me- thored the Philippine Independence morial was a gift of the Philippine Bill of 1916. This landmark legisla- government and the Filipino people. tion enabled the people of the Philip- The dedication was led by then Sen- pines to begin self-government in ate President Sergio Osmena and was preparation for total independence the biggest occasion ever witnessed following the Spanish-American by the townsfolk of Warsaw. War. As the most important landmark of Congressman Jones was then a mem- the city of Warsaw, its police force ber of the House of Representatives wears the image of the memorial as Insular Affairs Committee that had the insignia on their uniforms. jurisdiction over the Philippines. He The Embassy of the Philippines is took keen interest in the rights of the currently working with the Richmond Filipino people and worked tirelessly County Museum, the State of Vir- for 16 years to secure passage of the ginia and the Filipino American com- Philippine Independence Bill. munities in Virginia for a restoration For his efforts on behalf of the free- project that would bring back the dom, liberty and self-determination magnificence of this memorial. The William Atkinson Jones Memorial in of Filipinos, Congressman Jones be- Warsaw, Virginia Full restoration is hoped to be fin- came known as the "George Wash- ished in June in time for a planned re- ington of the Philippines" and earned dedication ceremony to celebrate the the love and admiration of the Fili- 80th anniversary of the memorial and As the most important pino people. In his honor, bridges, Virginia's 400th centenary. landmark of the city of avenues and towns throughout the Philippines carried his name. Warsaw, its police force wears the image of the memorial as the insignia on their uniforms. RP delivers major blow (from p.1) Aside from decimating its top leadership, the pressure of programs constitute a spearhead against the spread of ter- these military operations has contained the ASG threat to ror in the Southeast Asian region. peripheral areas of Southern Philippines; resulted in the As the Philippine Government works with the U.S. to con- capture or death of their operational cadres; and enabled strict terror and transnational crimes, both countries will the Philippine Government and its allies, such as the U.S., also continue to implement programs towards peace and to bring in needed development projects to areas that have development within the region. been cleared of these terrorists. This strategic relationship with the U.S. has always been a Building on these recent successes, the Philippine Govern- leading point for Philippine and regional security, nd will ment will continue to weaken terrorists and drive them to become even more important as the Philippines pushes for strategic defeat as it works in partnership with the Filipino strong collective security arrangements in ASEAN and in people in the greater fight against poverty, disease igno- East Asia involving the U.S., China and Japan. rance and injustice. As President Arroyo has stressed in statements issued fol- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in commending the lowing the death of these terrorist leaders, “the Philip- gallantry of Filipino soldiers and the cooperation of local pines’ strategic alliance with the U.S. is enveloped in our communities, also acknowledged that this success against alliance with all nations in the Asia – Pacific for a more the Abu Sayyaf highlights the effectiveness and value of prosperous and safer world that can secure the movement Philippine training and intelligence fusion programs with of people, goods and technology across borders while ef- the United States. fectively checking terrorist persons, funds and materiel. President Arroyo has cited the Philippine – U.S. strategic This is a high point for global security based on strong and alliance as a driving force behind the Philippine Govern- committed alliances to a comprehensive strategy against ment’s successful counter-terrorism campaign. terror.” Joint military training exercises and security cooperation Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 9

Arroyo leads in building (from p.1) Summit, which was attended by the 10 ers, particularly the Cebu Declaration on member countries of ASEAN, the Presi- the Protection and Promotion of the dent also presided over the summits of Rights of Migrant Workers and the Mu- leaders of ASEAN and its dialogue part- tual Recognition Arrangement on Nurs- ners, Australia, China, Japan, India, Re- ing Services that would greatly benefit public of Korea and New Zealand. The Filipino workers. President also chaired the ASEAN Plus 3 The President said that the ASEAN Con- She said that the summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit. vention on Counter-Terrorism, which is end result of all The President said that the fact that lead- the product of common security concerns these initiatives ers of 17 countries were in Cebu City for among the ASEAN members, provides a would be "more the summits "was a testament to the de- framework for regional cooperation to sire of leaders and their peoples for counter, prevent and suppress all forms of prosperous and greater collaboration among nations" in terrorism. safe communities, the region. "The Philippines will benefit from the a region of peace Aside from President Arroyo, those who Convention in terms of training, intelli- and stability, and a attended the summits from ASEAN were gence sharing and networking with world of goodwill Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei ASEAN member countries," the Presi- and friendship of Darussalam, Prime Minister Samdech dent said. Hun Sen of Cambodia, President Susilo all creeds, colors The President also lauded the Eminent Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, and culture." Persons Group (EPG) for its valuable Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh of inputs into the blueprint of an ASEAN Laos, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Charter aimed at making ASEAN into a Badawi of Malaysia, Prime Minister Gen. more cohesive and efficient organization Soe Win of Myanmar, Prime Minister that would be better prepared to face the Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Prime challenges of "one caring and sharing Minister Surayud Chulanont of Thailand, community." and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam. "We are inspired by the determination to establish One Vision, One Identity, One From the dialogue partners, those who Community and perhaps One Union attended were Prime Minister John How- within ASEAN," the President said. ard of Australia, Premier Wen Jiabao of China, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh The leaders, the President said, also ex- of India, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of pressed "grave concerns" about recent Japan, President Roh Moo-Hyun of the developments in the Korean Peninsula Republic of Korea, and Prime Minister and urged North Korea to abandon all Helen Clark of New Zealand. nuclear weapons and to work toward the expeditious implementation of the United According to the President, during the Nations Security Council Resolutions summits, the leaders of ASEAN and its 1695 and 1719. dialogue partners broadened trade, tour- ism, energy security and political integra- According to the President, through the tion "at a pace and scale never seen be- Cebu summits, ASEAN made progress fore." on issues of energy independence, human rights protection, economic integration She said that the end result of all these and social justice. initiatives would be "more prosperous and safe communities, a region of peace She said that with the signing of the and stability, and a world of goodwill and ASEAN-China Agreement on Trade in friendship of all creeds, colors and cul- Services of the Framework on Compre- President Gloria Macapagal- ture." hensive Economic Cooperation, the re- Arroyo responds to a question gion is inching closer towards a free trade during a press conference after "As the theme of this summit 'One Caring delivering her speech at the con- arrangement, cutting barriers on services clusion of the 12th Association of and Sharing Community' suggests, we such as telecommunications, transporta- Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) want to advance the sense of community Summit, the 2nd East Asia Summit tion and tourism. During the 2nd East and our shared interests and look after and related summits Monday Asia Summit held today at the CICC, the (January 15) at the Main Briefing each other in terms of social justice, eco- President and the other leaders signed the Room of the Cebu International nomic development and common secu- Convention Center in Mandaue Cebu Declaration on Energy Security that City, Cebu. (Rey Baniquet) rity," the President said. is expected to ease the energy pressure on In her closing statement, the President most ASEAN countries because of con- made special mention of the people- tinued rise in oil prices in the world mar- oriented agreements signed by the lead- ket. Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 10

The Millennium Challenge Account (from p.2)

• Tax Evaders (RATE) program; eligibility for Compact grant funding under the MCA. • Strengthen the Bureau of Customs (BOC) focusing With Compact status, RP would be eligible for major grants. on the Run After Tax Evaders program of the Bu- The latest Compact countries are El Salvador and Mali, each reau; and of which received US$461 million. • Strengthen the Department of Finance’s Revenue Aside from the Philippines, MCC has approved Threshold Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) program. Programs totaling over US$286 million with ten (10) other countries: Albania, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, Jordan, Malawi, Under the MCC grant, a technical assistance was pro- Moldova, Paraguay, Tanzania, Ukraine and Zambia. vided to monitor the progress of the program components as well as the timely compliance with the MCA key indi- The Philippines already shares many of the values that the cators to ensure RP’s early graduation to Compact Status MCC program seeks to promote – political and economic under the MCA. freedom, investments in education and health, control of cor- ruption, and respect for civil liberties and the rule of law. During the meeting of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo with MCC officials in Washington DC on 18 With continued support from the MCC, the Philippines is January, the latter acknowledged that the success of on- prepared to further strengthen these values which form the going reforms, improvements in policies and continuing bedrock of national governance. good governance are factors that could contribute to RP

Arroyo on economic growth: there is no turning back Statement of President Arroyo on Human Citing the country’s sustained eco- that have created five million more Rights, 22 Feb 2007 nomic growth over the last six years, jobs. We have strengthened military Our seriousness in tackling the issue of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and security alliances with the rest of unexplained killings is clear in having stressed today that there will be no the world, cracking down on terror- welcomed the UN Rapporteur for Human turning back in her efforts to lift the ists that have made our barangays Rights to the Philippines, enabling him to nation up. and our nation more peaceful, more do his work unimpeded, and to render his stable," she said. report in full glare of the media. In a speech at a Conference on Eco- This proves beyond doubt that the nomic Growth hosted jointly by the Reforming the economy, according Philippine government upholds Economic Journalists Association of to the President, is not an easy task. democracy, human rights and press the Philippines (EJAP) and the Ma- "It is not easy to raise revenues by freedom. We thank Mr. Alston for acknowledging the cooperation of the nila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at raising taxes and making people government in his probe, and that we are the Shangri-La Hotel in angry. It is not easy to crack down taking the right steps to right the situation. Makati City on 20 Feb 07, the Presi- on tax cheats but necessary if we are Nevertheless, the UN Rapporteur on dent pointed out why the nation is to invest in education and health Human Rights has leveled some serious better off today than it was six years care. It is not easy to balance the views that we take constructively, ago. budget but necessary to modernize alongside the recommendations of the the nation and lift up the poor," she Melo Report that shall be released today. "We have proven that we can sustain explained. The nation must unite to bring down the economic growth and not be derailed curtain on a generation of political by political sideshows," she ex- In the next three and a half years, the violence and strengthen social order and plained. "We aim to stay this course President said her administration justice. This is about right and wrong, not and prove to ourselves and to the will invest a trillion pesos to build about left or right. world that the Philippines has ar- the infrastructure that will support While the Armed Forces deal decisively rived…" the economy and attract further in- with the issue of unexplained killings, I vestments. It will focus, she said, on extol the 99% of our good and valiant The President said that the painful soldiers who are on 24 by 7 alert to her national agenda of more jobs, steps her government took like the safeguard the people and the nation. stable prices and peace and order. It tough economic and fiscal reforms The government is not in denial, these will also push for a green Philippines she initiated, are finally paying off. killings will be resolved and the Armed agenda "to improve the environment Forces shall continue to be a vanguard for She emphasized that for the first and beautify our communities." freedom. time in a long time, the Philippines "We’re working hard to create an We urge all sectors and stakeholders to is doing what every household environment conducive to businesses come forward in a strong covenant for should be doing – moving towards a and economic growth," she pointed democracy and help us move forward. balanced budget and not borrowing. out. "We have forged new partnerships Volume 2, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2007 Page 11

Together in this Battle (from p. 4)

On behalf of my government and the Filipino people, let me express our deep gratitude to our friends and partners in the US Congress for their continued sup- port for the Filipino WWII veteran. In this continuing battle, our veterans have also marched on side-by-side with many Filipino-American groups and individuals whose resolve and commitment have given all of us renewed strength and hope. Many of these groups and individuals are with us today, and we thank them for their invaluable and tireless work and for their unqualified 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- October 1945, are US veterans under then existing US laws and are entitled to all benefits due a US veteran. . . . let these old We therefore welcome the filing and urge the passage of HR 760 and its com- soldiers finally panion bill in the Senate, S57, to restore the veterans benefits that were re- leave the field of moved by PL 79-301. battle, with their We make this call based on assertions that are supported by clear facts and his- dignity intact, with torical records. I have attached to this statement a reiteration of our arguments the honor that they and respectfully request that these be made part of this hearing’s record. so truly deserve Mr. Chairman, Filipino WWII veterans were treated unfairly in 1946. At a criti- and the victory that cal juncture in both our countries’ histories, they willingly responded to the ur- has eluded them gent call of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and left their families and homes for an unsure fate. for far, far too long. They fought valiantly, bravely and with uncommon courage. They fought against great odds and lacking the support that they badly needed and that had been promised. 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. Speaking as an official and representative of the Philippine Government, 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 finally leave the field of battle, with their dignity intact, with the honor that they so truly deserve and the victory that has eluded them for far, far too long.

Gov’t welcomes all recommendations (from p.2) of the refusal of the families of victims the European Union (EU). the Melo Commission was still incom- and leftist groups to cooperate. "We hope that Prof. Alston’s efforts plete due to the refusal of the families "This administration is doing its best to would open the communication lines of victims and militant groups to coop- serve the ends of justice and it looks between the government and the vari- erate with the investigations. forward to any form of assistance in ous sectors concerned that would pave Ermita said the copy of the report helping obtain testimony to pin down the way for cooperation and renewed would be made public tomorrow. the guilty," he said. trust and confidence to obtain justice," Bunye said. "The Melo Commission report will be Bunye said the Philippines would re- released. The copies of the report will solve the killings under its justice sys- At his regular media briefing this after- be made available through the office of tem with the support of all well- noon in Malacanang, Executive Secre- Secretary Bunye by tomorrow," he meaning partners such as the UN and tary Eduardo Ermita said the report of said. 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.

Carlos Sorreta PHILIPPINE EMBASSY Editor Delfin Lorenzana Joy Quintana 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW Gines Gallaga Angelito Nayan Phone: (202) 467 9300/9363 Percival Abu Fax: (202) 467 9417 Contributors Ging Omaga Diaz

Jose ledonio [email protected] Editorial Assistants

PHILIPPINE Caucus EMBASSY Chronicle Volume 2, Issue 1 US-Philippines Friendship Caucus Newsletter Jan-Feb 2007

Embassy of the Philippines 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP CAUCUS Washington DC 20036 4th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE