Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 PHILIPPINE EMBASSY …Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 Page 2 Cabinet...

A r r o y o i n D a v o s : A S E A N m u s t s t e p u p s u p p o r t f o r d e m o c r a t i c r e f o r m s i n M y a n m a r

• Economy expanded by 7.3 percent in 2007, best in over three dec-ades.

• Moody’s investors upgrade RP credit outlook

• RP debt ratios improve • Gross international

reserves (GIR) reach historic level of US$33.7B

• Millions of new, better paying jobs

• Unemployment rate continues to decline

• Remittances of over-seas Filipinos hit US$14.4B

• 3 million tourist ex-pected in 2008

K e y U S l e g i s l a t o r s v i s i t R P

2 0 0 9 B u d g e t R e q u e s t m a i n t a i n s s u p p o r t f o r R P s e c u r i t y a n d d e v e l o p m e n t

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N e w s l e t t e r p u b l i s h e d b y t h e P h i l i p p i n e E m b a s s y f o r t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e U S - P h i l i p p i n e s C o n g r e s s i o n a l F r i e n d s h i p C a u c u s

V o l u m e 3 , I s s u e 1 J a n - F e b 2 0 0 8

C a u c u s C h r o n i c l e

I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

Arroyo bullish on RP economy

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Ambassador’s Corner 3 In Memoriam: Represen-tative Thomas Peter Lantos

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Arroyo reiterates to military, police inviola-bility of human rights

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Media, law schools join crusade to solve extraju-dicial killings

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Authorities exert more effort to prosecute, con-vict those responsible for extrajudicial killings

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Speech: Correcting a Grave Injustice

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Veterans and Embassy Officials Remember Rescission Act

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The US Rescission Act of 1946

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Cabinet Secretary gives briefing on RP

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R P U P D A T E S

2008 started auspiciously for Philippine-U.S. relations with the visit last January to the Philippines of three key mem-bers of the U.S. Congress. Representative Adam Smith (D-9th Washington), a member of the House Committees on For-eign Affairs and Armed Ser-vices, where he chairs the Sub-committee on Terrorism, Un-conventional Threats and Capa-bilities, was in the Philippines on 8-10 January. A week later, Senators Daniel

Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), also visited the Philippines. Senator Inouye, who was first elected to the US Congress in 1962 and is the author of the Senate version of the Filipino WW II Veterans Equity Bill, is a member of the Senate Appro-priations Committee and Chair of its Subcommittee on De-fense. Senator Stevens, who was first elected to the US Congress in 1968 and who is a cosponsor

and strong supporter of Senator Inouye’s Equity Bill, (to p.6)

At the meeting of the Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on 25 Janu-ary 2008, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged the leaders of ASEAN to make a difference in the region by working to bring about the re-lease of the jailed Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. President Arroyo said that Myanmar should return to the path of democracy by freeing

freedom fighter Aung San Suu Kyi as part of its commitment when it signed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Charter in Singapore last year. “We must work together to

make the tough choices to make ASAN real and Aung San Suu Kyi free,” the Presi-dent told the gathered ASEAN Leaders. She said that the regional grouping would attain a level of democratization on the issue of human rights “if we are to work collaboratively for the common good.” “We must see political reform. We must see Aung San Suu Kyi released and now,” she told ASEAN leaders and digni-taries during the (to p. 6)

The 2009 budget request and Congressional Budget Justification Report submitted by Presi-dent George Bush to the U.S. Congress in Feb-ruary 2008 showed a significant increase in the total amount of assistance for the Philippines, as compared to the total amount requested the year earlier. The total amount in aid for the Philippine re-quest for 2009 is US$94.6 million, as compared to the US$80.2 million requested in 2008. This represents an 18% increase.

Specifically, the request of the Bush Admini-stration for Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for the Philippines increased from US$11.1 million in 2008 to US$15 million for 2009, a 36% increase in requested allocations. The Bush Administration likewise did not in-clude any conditionalities in its 2009 request for the Philippines. There was also a significant increase in total development (DA) and economic assistance (ESF) for the Philippines, from the (to p.6)

Representative Adam Smith and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Presidential Palace, 10 January 2008 (OP Photo)

We must see political reform. We must see Aung San Suu Kyi released and now.

President Arroyo World Economic Forum

Davos, 25 Jan 08


Cabinet Secretary Briefs Filipino-American Community on Philippine Devel-opments. The Philippine Embassy in Wash-ington, D.C. held a Pulong Bayan (Townhall Meeting) with the Filipino community on 27 February 2008 with Cabinet Secretary Ri-cardo Saludo (center with microphone) as the lead discussant. The members of the com-munity were provided with a comprehensive briefing and presentation by Secretary Sa-ludo on the latest economic and political de-velopments in the Philippines. He also dis-cussed the efforts of the Philippine Govern-ment to sustain the high levels of economic growth and progress that the Philippines has been experiencing in the past seven quar-ters.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rules out complacency when it comes to the country's economy in spite of her ad-ministration' s achievement in turning the economy around last year. In her message at the Philippine Economic Briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on 15 February 2008, the Presi-dent stressed that in spite of successfully keeping the nation on the path of progress, she recognized that there is much more that needs to be accomplished to finally uplift the lives of the poor. "2007 was the best year for the Philippine economy in over 30 years. E c o n o m i c growth was 7.3 percent; a million new jobs were cre-ated; unem-ployment is down, pov-e r ty i s down, the stock mar-ket is up; the peso is at its highest level in eight years," the President said. She added that investments come pouring in and as a result of renewed confidence of the international business commu-nity, the country's deficit in 2007 was only P9.4 billion, the lowest in 10 years, as against the target of P63 billion and revenues are up. "This new maturity in our economy has brought new confi-dence that forms the foundation of sustained economic growth moving forward. We are at a tipping point. I am confident the Philippines will tip forward in pursuit of reaching the status of a First World nation within a genera-tion," the President said. But despite the strong economic and fiscal fundamentals, the President, aware of the adverse effects the slowdown of the US economy would have on developing nations like the Philippines, said this is "top of mind in our calculations to

protect our economy." Stressing that 2008 "holds real promise for a different rea-son, not only do we expect strong growth in the seven per-cent zone," the President said a program has been developed to shield the economy from external threats. These measures include continued investments in physical and human infrastructure, stamping out corruption and cut-ting red tape, and providing "targeted relief" to cushion the effects of oil price spikes in the world market, especially among the poor. The President said she has ordered a surge in infrastructure

p r o j e c t s through the frontloading of some P200 billion to provide the stimulus to the econ-omy and o v e r c o m e the fallout of the US re-c e s s i o n . She also said

that there is a need to bring long-lasting peace in Mindanao for the island to finally achieve economic progress. "The work of governance is difficult. We battle to liberate every Filipino from poverty and invest in their health, edu-cation and welfare," the President said even as she vowed "we will not rest until I leave office in 2010 from keeping this nation on the path of progress." "I am confident and bullish on our economy, our people and our ability to join hands to move this nation forward," the President added. (Photo shows President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressing a point as she answers questions from members of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) and Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) during the Philippine Economic Briefing on 15 February 2008 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La in Makati City. Flanking the President are Finance Secretary Margarito Teves (left) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (OPS/NIB Photo))

A r r o y o b u l l i s h o n R P e c o n o m y i n f a c e o f g l o b a l s l o w d o w n

This new maturity in our economy has brought new confidence that forms the

foundation of sustained economic growth moving forward. We are at a tipping point.

I am confident the Philippines will tip forward in pursuit of reaching the status

of a First World nation within a generation.

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I wish to once again convey to all Caucus members the warmest greetings of the Philippine government and people and our sincerest appreciation for all that the Caucus has done to further our bi-lateral relations. 2008 promises to be another dynamic and exciting year for U.S.-Philippine relations. It is an election year in the US and we are certain that whatever the outcome of this highest expression of freedom and democ-racy may be, the Philippines will continue to enjoy solid bipartisan support, thanks in large part to our friends in the Caucus. The White House’s budget request for FY 2009 has been submitted to Congress, and we note with satisfaction the 18% increase in allocations requested for the Philippines as compared to the previous year’s request. We hope that the final allocation to be de-cided by Congress will also signify a simi-lar increase over the actual allocations granted under the 2008 budget passed last December. This year may also well see the achieve-ment of final victory for the thousands of Filipino World War II veterans who remain with us, ever hopeful that the inequity and injustice done to them decades ago would finally be redressed by the Congress of the United States. Sadly, the Caucus has lost one of its most honored members, Congressman Tom Lan-tos. The Filipino people and nation are sad-dened by the loss of a true hero and advo-cate for human rights. At the same time, we are confident that the late Congressman’s spirit of humanity and courage will continue to guide us as we strive together to reinvigorate our alliance and partnership.

A m b a s s a d o r ’ s C o r n e r

C a u c u s M e m b e r s i n F o c u s : I n M e m o r i a m


Thomas Peter Lantos 1 Feb 28-11 Feb 08 Democrat, 12th District, California Chair, Committee on Foreign Affairs Representative Tom Lantos was a lead-ing member of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus and was among the first member featured in the Caucus Chronicle (Jan-Feb. 2007 issue). The Philippine government and the Filipino people have lost a staunch ally and friend with the passing of Repre-sentative Lantos. He had always shown keen interest in the Philippines as a close partner of the United States and as an outpost for democracy. Representative Lantos, an icon of hu-man rights advocacy, readily shared with the Philippines his concerns and engaged the Philippine Government on its own efforts to address the issued of alleged extra-judicial killings (EJKs). Representative Lantos stood solidly behind efforts to correct a grave injus-

tice that was done to Filipino WW II Veterans. "As a Holocaust survivor, I owe my life to the bravery of American soldiers during World War II”, he told Filipino WW II Veterans. “I am proud that the Veterans Affairs Committee has passed a bill to guaran-tee full benefits to Filipino veterans who fought for the United States... and I am looking forward to casting my vote of support [Filipino Veterans Eq-uity bill H.R. 760] in the full House,” he promised our veterans. Rep. Lantos served the U.S. Congress beginning in 1981 and was re-elected 13 time. He was a member of the Con-gressional Progressive Caucus. As one of the founders of the Congres-sional Human Rights Caucus, Repre-sentative Lantos was the guiding light of the Caucus. Representative Lantos was an inspira-tion to all peoples who embrace or who struggle for freedom and democracy.

Clockwise from upper left: Chairing a meeting of the House Foreign Af-fairs Committee; With Filipino WW II Veterans Albert Bacani, 97, and Ce-lestino Almeda, 90, of the Virginia-based American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc., on 12 September 2006 in his Washington office (photo E. Lachica/ACVE); with then San Francisco-based Consul General Rowena Sanchez at his San Mateo office on 19 June 2007; and, with President Bush at the inauguration of the Victims of Communism Memorial in Wash-ington on 12 June 2007.


A r r o y o r e i t e r a t e s t o m i l i t a r y , p o l i c e , i n v i o l a b i l i t y o f h u m a n r i g h t s

Emphasizing the commit-ment of the Philippine Gov-ernment to uphold, promote and protect human rights in the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has reminded both the mili-tary and police on recent and separate occasions that hu-man rights are inviolable under the law. For the military, the Presi-dent made this point at a command conference on 7 January 2008 at Camp Agui-naldo, Quezon City, the first command conference for the year. The command conference lasted for two-and-a-half hours. In attendance were 175 top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philip-pines (AFP), the biggest-ever assemblage of major service commanders, area com-manders, unified command-ers, and joint and special staff. President Arroyo also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their steadfast commitment to protect the country’s democ-ratic institutions from insur-gents and terrorists. At the same time, she re-minded them that “all men and women are equal before

the law” and that “we have to adhere to the principle that the death of any Filipino just because he expressed his politics is a violation of hu-man rights.” For the police, this was once again stressed by the Chief Executive during her speech

at the 17th anniversary cele-bration of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the national police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on 6 February 2008. At the anniversary cere-mony, the President praised police efforts which had led to a 83% decrease in unex-plained political killings over the past year (from 38 in 2006 to 7 in 2007). The President said “we have been meeting with success in

the fight to put an end to the legacy of political violence in the Philippines.” She likewise emphasized the need for the Philippine Gov-ernment to resolve these killings by proceeding along the roadmap set by the Melo Commission. This Commission was cre-ated in 2006 with the task of investigating the reported spate of political killings, and submit recommendations for addressing the problem. While at Camp Crame, the President also inaugurated the newly-const ructed Women and Children Protec-tion Center (WCPC), a "one-stop-shop investigation unit" tasked to protect the rights of women and children. Formerly the Women and Children Concerns Division (WCCD), the WCPC now serves as the focal point of coordination and cooperation between the PNP and the different government and non-government organiza-tions (NGOs) involved in enhancing the programs and activities for the protection and welfare of women and children in the fields of in-vestigation, training and counseling.

President Arroyo prays together with (from left) Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Her-mogenes Esperon Jr. before she presided over the AFP Command Conference on 7 January 2008 at the Tejeros Hall of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. (OPS/NIB Photo)

President Arroyo with members of the Philippine National Police All-Women SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) group during the 17th anniversary of the PNP Wednesday on 6 February 2008 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Also in photo is PNP Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. (left). (OPS/NIB Photo)

All men and women are equal before the law, whether a former president or military man. We have to adhere to the principle that the death of any Filipino just because he expressed his politics is a violation of human rights.

President Arroyo Command Conference

Armed Forces of the Philippines

7 January 2008

The National Press Club signed on 11 February 2008 a Memorandum of Agree-ment with Task Force 211, also known as "Task Force Against Political Violence," the new government body tasked to address the issues of political violence and extra-judicial killings, bind-ing both groups to work hand-in-hand in monitoring the progress or litigation of political violence cases. On February 2, Task Force 211 also signed a similar MOA with Angeles Univer-

sity Foundation School of Law in Angeles City, Pam-panga. Task Force 211 Chairman Ricardo R. Blancaflor and National Press Club Presi-dent Roy C. Mabasa sealed Monday's agreement. Mean-while, the MOA signing on Feb.2 was led by AUF-School of Law's Founding Dean Justice Jose C. Vitug and Defense Undersecretary Alberto E. Valenzuela, Jr. who came as Blancaflor's representative. Both MOA call for media

volunteers and law students of AUF-School of Law to be in partnership with Task Force 211 in monitoring cases involving political violence and extra-judicial killings ("EJK") pending before various prosecutor's offices and courts nation-wide, all in the interest of transparency. Under the MOA, accredited volunteers from the media and law schools shall per-sonally attend the scheduled hearings of cases being monitored, apprise (to p.5)

M e d i a , l a w s c h o o l s j o i n c r u s a d e t o s o l v e E J K c a s e s


Following a significant de-cline in incidents of unex-plained and politically moti-vated killings by 83 percent from 2006 to 2007 and the zero-incidence reported dur-ing the first quarter of the year, the task force assigned to probe incidents of unex-plained killings in the Philip-pines, Task Force Usig, is aiming to achieve an increase in indictments and convic-tions on these cases. Relevant government agen-cies and the Philippine Na-tional Police have vowed “closer interagency coopera-tion” to expedite the resolu-tion of unexplained killings involving political activists and journalists. Law enforcers and prosecu-tors are expected to take more concerted steps to speed up the resolution of cases involving political and media killings, particularly in the areas of evidence gather-ing, witness protection and the prosecution of cases be-ing handled by the different agencies. A series of multi-sectoral seminars, sponsored by the

Philippine Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court in part-nership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Austrian government, were conducted to identify roadblocks that hamper the investigation and prosecution of unexplained killings and enforced disappearances in the country. These seminars, which will last until June, seek to pro-vide effective solutions that will lead to more successful convictions. Among the participants in the seminars were public prosecutors, lawyers, judges, representatives from the CHR, Office of the Ombuds-man, Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philip-pines, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police (PNP) and human rights groups Kara-patan and FIND-AFAID. Other developments related to the issue concerns secur-ing additional funding sup-port for the government’s Witness Protection Program and the provision of security

and economic assistance to the families of witnesses; the Armed Forces of the Philip-pines has been required to coordinate closely with the PNP; and to submit at the soonest possible time its op-erations report of rebel en-counters in anticipation of cases that may be filed against the government in connection with the writ of amparo. In addition, concerned of-fices will be required to draw up with the Supreme Court a standard definition of unex-plained killings so a common set of statistics on political and media slayings could be generated. As of the first quarter of 2008, Task Force Usig is handling a total of 141 cases of unexplained killings, of which 113 involve political activists and 28 involve jour-nalists. The task force has filed 83 cases involving these killings. Five are under in-vestigation, 52 are consid-ered cold cases and one was dropped and closed. A total of 243 suspects are involved in the 83 cases filed.

A u t h o r i t i e s t o e x e r t m o r e v i g o r o u s e f f o r t s t o p r o s e c u t e a n d c o n v i c t t h o s e r e s p o n s i b l e i n e x t r a j u d i c i a l k i l l i n g s

themselves of the proceed-ings, and record the incidents that transpire in the cases' respective Monitoring Kits. For its part, Task Force 211 will share information and documents regarding cases identified and validated as involving political violence and/or EJK. Task Force 211 first signed a MOA with Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law on December 19, 2007. Law students of Lyceum who volunteered for the program are now monitoring EJK cases. “We are calling on everyone

concerned about the situation to contribute pro-actively in this particular endeavor,” stressed Blancaflor. Believ-ing that a “whole-society” approach to the problem is the only solution, the Task Force issued an invitation to various law schools, NGOs, the media, and even the civil group Karapatan to assist it to once and for all solve the problem of human rights violations, especially extra-judicial killings, unexplained disappearances and political violence. Task Force 211 is a Presiden-tial Task Force created under

the virtue of Administrative Order No. 211 dated Novem-ber 22, 2007. Its mandate is to "harness and mobilize government agencies, politi-cal groups, the religious, civil society and sectoral organizations and the public for the prevention, investiga-tion, prosecution and punish-ment of political violence, the care and protection of people and communities vic-timized and threatened with violence, and the promotion of a culture of opposed to violence and for the advance-ment of reconciliation and peace."

M e d i a , l a w s c h o o l s j o i n c r u s a d e . . . f r o m p . 4

An official of the Commission on Human Rights briefs members of the military on human rights and the obligation to promote, preserve and protect these rights.

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blan-caflor and Dean Pacifico Agabin sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Task Force 211 and the College of Law of the Lyceum Uni-versity.

K e y U S l e g i s l a t o r s . . . f r o m p . 1


is the ranking member of the Defense Sub-committee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Representative Smith arrived in the Philip-pines on 8 January 2008 as part of a famili-arization tour of Southeast Asia. Among the places he visited was Tuburan, Basilan in the Southern Philippines where he and U.S. Am-bassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney inaugurated a US-assisted road pro-ject. During his 10 January 2008 call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the two discussed further cooperation on counterterrorism and economic development. Rep. Smith com-mended the President’s efforts in bringing peace and development to Mindanao, and assured the President that the Philippines is the United States’ “best partner” in the re-gion. A week later, Senators IDaniel nouye (D-Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), also visited the Philippines (including Mindanao) and called on President Arroyo in Mala-

canang At the 17 January 2008 call on the President, the two senior Senators gave their assurance that they would be working to redress the inequity done to Filipino World War II veter-ans, so that the relevant legislation could be passed this year. Senator Inouye likewise explained that de-spite the overcall cuts to the budget for FY 2008, the U.S. Congress generally main-tained U.S. aid levels for the Philippines due to the importance of its bilateral cooperation and relations with the Philippines. The President also agreed with the sugges-tion for more U.S. legislators to be invited to the Philippines so that they could see for themselves the progress being made in the war on terrorism and poverty. At the end of the call, Senator Stevens was conferred the Order of the Golden Heart (rank of Grand Cross) for his support for the cause of Filipino World War II veterans and for increased financial assistance to the Phil-ippines.

A r r o y o i n D a v o s . . . f r o m p . 1

high-level session called “The Emerging Asian Community: Role of ASEAN.” She reiterated that the Philippine Senate would not ratify the ASEAN Charter unless the legislators saw real political reform in Myanmar. The charter, signed during the November 2007 ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Singapore, seeks to create a human rights body in the region. "Not only are we committed to seeing political reforms in Myanmar. Our Sen-

ate will not ratify the ASEAN Charter, unless they see real political reforms take place in Myanmar," the President said. President Arroyo delivered the same message when she addressed the Gender Parity Group later that day. “What should we do? We stand up and call for Aung San Suu Kyi’s freedom,” she said. Ms Arroyo has consistently advocated that ASEAN take a more ac-tive role in introducing reforms in Myan-

mar. During the signing of the ASEAN Char-ter by the 10 leaders in Singapore last year, the President noted that by signing the Charter, Myanmar had committed itself to democratic reforms and should start by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN is composed of Brunei, Cambo-dia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myan-mar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presents to US Senator Theodore Stevens (right), the Order of the Golden Heart with the rank of Grand Cross, during a call on her on 17 January 2008 at Malacañang’s Music Room. Also in photo is US Senator Daniel Inouye. (OPS/NIB Photo)

total of US$48.9 million requested for 2008 to (he amount of US$56.7 million (a 16% increase) requested for 2009. In terms of U.S. security objectives, the Phil-ippines, along with Indonesia and Mongolia, is cited in the report as key allies of the U.S. in the war on terror in the East Asia and Pa-cific region. These three countries and partners of the U.S. will be receiving major portions of the request for assistance programs under the Peace and Security category. In its justifica-tion for key increase for assistance under this category, the report takes note of the suc-cessful counter-terrorism and law enforce-ment programs in the Philippines and in In-donesia. “This report clearly shows that the U.S. gov-ernment recognizes the Philippines as a lead-

ing partner in the war on terror in the region and gleaming example of a vibrant economy under a democratic system,” Ambassador Gaa said. “The Philippine Government appreciates the support of the U.S. government in our efforts to address those challenges that remain to be hurdled in our Government’s pursuit of es-tablishing a strong and prosperous democ-racy for the Filipino people,” Ambassador Gaa added. pursuing Philippine interests in the U.S. He added that “the Philippine Government appreciates the support of the U.S. govern-ment in our efforts to address those chal-lenges that remain to be hurdled in our Gov-ernment’s pursuit of establishing a strong and prosperous democracy for the Filipino people.”

2 0 0 9 b u d g e t r e q u e s t f o r R P . . . f r o m p . 1

. . . Indonesia and the Philippines, two countries poised to lead this region [East Asia and Pacific] toward economic prosperity and democracy.

Congressional Budget Justification Report for

Fiscal Year 2009


Correcting a Grave Injustice Remarks by Ambassador Willy C. Gaa

On the 62nd year of the passage of the Rescission Act 19 February 2008

Mahal kong mga Beterano, dear friends and supporters of a truly just cause: On February 18, 1946, a grave injustice was committed against the brave Filipino men and women who fought for freedom and who risked and sacrificed all to stop tyranny. On February 18, 1946, the 79th US Congress passed the infamous Rescis-sion Act. With the stroke of a pen, recognition of 250,000 Filipino American veterans who served during the Second World War was removed. It is because of your courage that we now live free. You are the living symbols of the very freedom we now enjoy. Yesterday, exactly 62 years since the passage of the Rescission Act, this year’s Balikatan Exer-cises were launched in the Philippines. Over 6,000 US troops will participate in these exercises. They will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Filipino troops. One might find some irony in this. I, for one, instead see hope. We hold these exercises because the Philippines and the United States remain partners in defending freedom. This is a partnership that was born on the battlefields of Bataan, forged in the trenches of Cor-regidor and sealed in the nameless jungles and towns where the struggle for liberty was bravely fought. This is a partnership that will propel our cause to correct a grave injustice. We stand on the verge of correcting this great wrong. We have gone far in this task, the farthest that we have ever gone. We have gotten this far because of your commitment, dedication and unwavering faith. We will continue this fight. We will place all our energies and resources behind this task. Together we will reach our goal. Together we will correct a grave injustice. Mabuhay ang ating mga Beterano!

THE U.S. RESCISSION ACT OF 1946

On February 14, 1946 the U.S. Rescission Act of 1946 was passed. This law stated “Service before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while such forces were in the

service of the Armed Forces of the United States pursuant to the military order of the President, dated July 26, 1941 ... shall not be deemed to have been active military, naval or air service for the purposes of any law of the United States conferring rights, privileges, or benefits upon any person by reason of the service of such person or the service of any

other person in the Armed Forces.” With a stroke of a pen, the services of a great number of brave and gallant Filipinos who fought side by side with U.S.

soldiers under the U.S. flag in the cause of freedom and liberty were rendered meaningless and their sacrifices unrecognized. It has been 62 years since the Rescission Act was passed. For all those years our brave and selfless

veterans have clamored for recognition and justice. Two bills aimed at correcting this injustice, H.R. 760 in the House of Representatives and S. 1315 in the Senate, have both passed their respective Committees. This is the furthest progress made in the course of the struggle to achieve

recognition and equity in benefits for our World War II Veterans.

Ambassador Willy C. Gaa addressing Filipino WWII Veterans and their support-ers at the Philippine Em-bassy on 19 February 2008, to recall the passage of the Rescission Act of 1946.

Veterans and Embassy officials Remember US Rescission Act. Ambassador Gaa leads Filipino WWII veterans and officials from the Embassy in laying a wreath at the Bataan and Corregidor marker of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. (left); Ambas-sador Gaa laying a wreath at the Bataan-Corregidor marker (center); Ambassador Gaa with Filipino WWII veterans and Embassy officials at the Bataan-Corregidor marker where a simple message was read quoting U.S. President Harry S. Truman’s acknowledge-ment of the important service and contributions made by Filipino veterans to the U.S. war effort in World War II.

C a u c u s C h r o n i c l e N e w s l e t t e r p u b l i s h e d b y t h e P h i l i p p i n e E m b a s s y f o r t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e U S - P h i l i p p i n e s C o n g r e s s i o n a l F r i e n d s h i p C a u c u s

Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY

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

1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Phone: (202) 467 9300/9363 Fax: (202) 467 9417 E-mail: [email protected]

P H I L I P P I N E E M B A S S Y

The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC assists the De-partment of Foreign Affairs in its work of formulating, planning, orga-nizing, and evaluating policies and actions on RP-US relations and relations with accredited organizations. The goals and objectives of the Embassy and its Consulates are:

• Promoting friendly relations between the United States and the Philippines;

• Protecting Philippine interests; • Assisting Filipino nationals abroad, including protecting and

promoting the rights and welfare of Filipino WWII veterans • Promoting expanding Philippine exports; • Promoting tourism and investments to the Philippines; • Pursuing cooperation in science and technology; • Promoting human rights, and • Pursuing international peace, security and development.

We are on the web

www.philippineembassy-usa.org To receive Philippine Government updates

please email

[email protected]

CAUCUS CHRONICLE Editorial Board

Editors Carlos Sorreta

Eduardo de Vega

Contributors Delfin Lorenzana Gines Gallaga Angelito Nayan Percival Abu

Editorial Assistants Remedios Landicho Ging Omaga Diaz

Jose Ledonio Erik Lorenzana

Tina Santos

Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 PHILIPPINE EMBASSY …Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 Page 2 Cabinet...

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Transcript of Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 PHILIPPINE EMBASSY …Volume 3, Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2008 Page 2 Cabinet...