NOVEMBER 7, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1 ♦ WEEKLY ♦ NOVEMBER 7, 2009 ♦ OPEN FORUM BUSINESS LIFE LEGAL NOTES GREATEST DEPRESSION? WHY THE IMMIGRATION NOT IF FILIPINOS PHILIPPINE FUTURE REFORM BILL TO BE STOP IT! IS EXCITING INTRODUCED SOON HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 7, 2009 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER loha and welcome to the lat- Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Filipinos’ Proud History of est issue of the Hawaii Fil- Military Service ipino Chronicle! Can you Publisher & Managing Editor believe that it’s already No- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido inority groups have fought in all of our nation’s A vember? With Halloween be- Associate Editors major armed conflicts, beginning with the Revolu- hind us, we are now entering tionary War when some 5,000 African-Americans Dennis Galolo the home stretch. Thanksgiving is in a few Edwin Quinabo served in the Continental Army. During World War M I, some 200,000 Hispanic soldiers joined the U.S. short weeks and then the Christmas Yuletide Creative Designer military along with 400,000 African- Americans— Season—everyone’s favorite time of the year! Junggoi Peralta the majority of whom were assigned to service and Speaking of Thanksgiving, a big mahalo to all of you who Design Consultant supply duties. As for World War II, we all know the exploits of have given generously from your hearts and pocketbooks to Randall Shiroma the typhoon victims in the Philippines. Thanks to the hard work Japanese-Americans who served in the 442nd Regiment which was Photographer the nation’s most highly decorated military unit ever. Their ranks in- of a few dedicated volunteers, Hawaii’s Filipinos in just three Tim Llena short weeks have raised over $130,000 and counting for these cluded 21 Medal of Honor recipients. Administrative Assistant Filipinos too can claim a place in the annals of U.S. military victims! If you want to donate but have questions, please read Shalimar Pagulayan history. During World War II, then U.S. President Roosevelt con- page 5 for more information as well as for the latest update on the relief efforts. Columnists scripted members of the Philippine Army into the U.S. military to Carlota Ader fight Japan. By the end of the war, over 400,000 Filipinos had Our cover story for this issue is entitled “Uncommon Valor: Carlo Cadiz, M.D. fought under Gen. Douglas MacArthur, including 60,000 alone The Legacy of Filipinos in America’s Military.” Written by Danny Sen. Will Espero in the Bataan death march. These veterans have only recently re- de Gracia, II, the article takes an in-depth look at the contributions Grace F. Fong, Ed.D Mayor Mufi Hannemann ceived long overdue recognition and benefits for their military Filipinos have made while serving in the U.S. military. We hope Governor Linda Lingle service. Thankfully, a terrible wrong has been made right and the you will enjoy reading Danny’s article and feel a sense of pride in Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. nation’s historical record set straight. the sacrifices Filipino servicemen and women—both past and J.P. Orias In today’s military, Filipinos continue to play an integral role. Pacita Saludes present—have made in defending this great country. His article is Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. A handful has climbed up the ranks to hold top leadership posi- quite timely, especially with Veteran’s Day on November 11th. Charlie Sonido, M.D. tions. No less important are the many who serve as field grade of- Originally intended to honor veterans of World War I, Veteran’s Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. ficers and senior non-commissioned officers to the best of their Felino S. Tubera Day is now set aside to thank all military personnel for serving abilities. Some of them have even made the ultimate sacrifice for Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. our country in times of war and peace. their country. Also in this issue, Danny has also written an “Open So after two centuries of national history, Filipinos can stand Contributing Writers proudly alongside other minority groups as full and equal partners Forum” article on the problems a devalued U.S. dollar would Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. mean to Filipinos. He states that the fall of the dollar is exactly Clement Bautista in defending this great nation. On Veteran’s Day, let’s remember Teresita Bernales, Ph.D our Filipino veterans, past and present and let their memories inspire what the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund Linda Dela Cruz us. As a minority group, identifying with our nation’s history will want, since both organizations have envisioned the creation of Fiedes Doctor foster greater assimilation and participation in common goals that a central world bank and a new universal reserve currency. He Gregory Bren Garcia Danny De Gracia, II, MA promote good citizenship and civic involvement. urges Filipinos everywhere to demand an audit of the Federal Amelia Jacang, M.D. Reserve, which has never been audited in its entire history, and Caroline Julian to take back monetary power from the Fed. Please read more Rosemarie Mendoza Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Balancing the State’s on page 3 and see whether or not you agree with his statements. Glenn Wakai In closing, we hope that you will enjoy reading the many Budget Deficit Philippine Correspondent timely and informative articles and columns in this issue, par- Guil Franco ublic school educators, students and families are ticularly “Immigration Guide” on page 7, updates on Hon- Big Island Distributor continuing to cope with weekly furloughs that are olulu’s fixed rail project and the Filipino Chamber of Elmer Acasio expected to save about $380 million over a two-year Commerce trade mission to the Philippines on page 10, “Fam- Ditas Udani period. That’s the good financial news. The bad ily Corner” on page 12 and “Legal Notes” on page 13. Maui Distributor news is that there’s still a deficit of some $620 mil- P Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! Cecile Piros lion to contend with. The deficit could worsen if Molokai Distributor state revenue collections continue to fall. In fact, the Maria Watanabe Lingle administration projects a budget shortfall of nearly $1 bil- Advertising/Marketing Director lion through June 2011. Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Hawaii’s economy and monstrous state deficit will again take center stage when the Legislature convenes in January 2010. So Account Executives Carlota Ader far, the burden of balancing the state budget has fallen on the J.P. Orias backs of educators, labor unions and yes, even our children. This next go-around, more people will have to bite the bullet if we are to survive this fiscal crisis. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. The fairest and most equitable solution is a combination of It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- modest tax increases, more cuts to public services and programs, tributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- using federal stimulus and other special funds and even short-term ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- solutions like dipping into the Hurricane Relief Fund or rainy day lication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- fund. Gov. Lingle has staunchly opposed any increase in the gen- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country eral excise tax and with 2010 being an election year, passing any $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu tax increase will be difficult. Still, she and other legislative lead- Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone ers should keep an open mind. Expect also a strong push by ad- (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. vocates for legalized gambling or the creation of a state lottery E-mail [email protected]. Web- site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions system. expressed by the columnists and contribu- The bottom line is that it will take courageous leadership to tors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- cut the fat from the state’s bloated government bureaucracy, much production of the contents in whole or in part less solve the state’s budget crisis, but it is exactly what our is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. elected leaders are paid to do. Let’s hope that in crunch time, they Printed in the U.S.A. will have the political will and courage to do so. NOVEMBER 7, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 OPEN FORUM Greatest Depression? Not If Filipinos Stop It! By Danny de Gracia, II Hawaii Filipinos to direct their banks and the U.S. Govern- view. This is a travesty and it he economic cri- attention to the U.S. Federal ment, and at present, the Fed- is the greatest threat to our sis has brought Reserve. Over the last thirteen eral Reserve Act of 1913 has freedom that we face. into the public years, the Fed doubled cash created a regime where even Filipino freedom is tied to vernacular a host currency and reserves. On the the Central Intelligence finances. Without control of T of new terms and other hand, immediately after Agency has more transparency our finances, we have no free- clichés: central the collapse of Lehman Broth- on what it does with taxpayer dom, no matter who is in of- liquidity swaps, ers, in the span of just 112 money than what the Fed does fice, no matter what party bailouts, recovery plan, spend days, the Fed doubled the re- with the dollar.