volume 3, issue 2, march-april 2008 philippine ... embassy news letter published by the philippine...

M C C G R A N T S R P C O M P A C T E L I G I B L E S T A T U S

• UN (ESCAP) forecast high growth

• Overseas remittances grow stronger; 1st 2 months of ‘08: $2.5B

• ‘07 4th quarter gross international reserves rise to $36.5B

• Only Asian country to close gender gap in education, health

• Tops Save the Chil-dren report card on basic health care

• To send medical team to Myanmar

S E N A T E P A S S E S B I L L G R A N T I N G B E N E F I T S T O F I L I P I N O W W I I V E T E R A N S

A R R O Y O T O M Y A N M A R : A L L O W O U T S I D E O B S E R V E R S

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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 P h i l i p p i n e s - U S F r i e n d s h i p C a u c u s i n t h e U S C o n g r e s s

V o l u m e 3 , I s s u e 2 , M a r c h - A p r i l 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 :

Chair Berman: Good friend of the Philippines

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Cabinet members in DC renewable energy meet

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Ambassador’s Corner 3

Members in Focus 3

Gaa statement on Senate vote on S.1315

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Senate Floor statements in support of S.1315

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Arroyo signs key veter-ans legislation

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Gaa statement on Bataaan Day

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Congressional Delegation in DC on veterans issue

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Photos: Bataan Day 7

My Grandfather’s Leg-acy

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Arroyo statement on MCC Eligible Status

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Joint training exercises: Balikatan ‘08

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EU commends economy, decrease in killings

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P H I L I P P I N E U P D A T E S

By a vote of 96 to 1, the US Senate took a historic step to-wards correcting a grave injus-tice when it passed the Veter-ans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.1315) on 24 April 2008. Under a special Title of this omnibus bill, all surviving Fili-pino WW II veterans, including those living in the Philippines, will receive due recognition and benefits from the U.S. Govern-ment — over sixty years after the Rescission Act of 1946 un-duly deprived them of their rightful status as American vet-erans of the last World War.

This bill had been passed out of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, headed by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), on 27 June 2007. Prior to the long-awaited vote on the bill, the Senate, by a vote of 56 to 41, rejected an amend-ment presented by Ranking Mi-nority member Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) which would have eliminated benefits for Philip-pine-based Filipino WW II vet-erans. The bill as voted upon provides monthly pensions to Filipino veterans living in the U.S. at par with American (to p. 4 pls.)

On 11 March 2008, the MCC Board selected the Philippines as a Compact eligible country. The MCC Board determines eligibility for this large-scale grant funding based on inde-pendent indicators that measure good governance, the country’s investments in its people and policies that encourage eco-nomic freedom. Ambassador Willy C. Gaa and a key official of the Millennium

Challenge Corporation met a day after and agreed that the selection of the Philippines as a Compact Eligible Country was another milestone in the long history of close partnership be-tween the Philippines and the United States. After his meeting with Mr. John Hewko, MCC Vice President for Compact Development, Am-bassador Gaa said he and Mr. Hewko agreed that (to p.10 pls.)

On 9 March 2008 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on Myanmar to agree to the United Nations (UN) proposal to allow independent ob-servers to monitor its upcoming national referen-dum on a new constitution and coming election. “It is a sad day for democracy and our region that Myanmar has rejected the proposal put forward by the United Nations. The very integrity of the UN has been rejected by a nation that wishes to be taken seriously by its neighbors and the world,” the President said. Saying that a “central pillar of democracy is a

free and fair election,” President Arroyo pointed out that the inclusion of independent observers to monitor elections is “not a threat to any nation’s sovereignty,” on the contrary, it is a “sign of strength.” “I call on the government of Myanmar to do the right thing and allow outside observers. It is a small but modest step towards democratization that is long overdue in Myanmar,” she added. President Arroyo has consistently advocated for true and meaningful democratic change in Myan-mar.

RP-MCC officials hold consultations in Washington shortly after the grant of Compact Eligibility status. From left: DOF Undersecretary Roberto Tan, MCC CEO John Danilovich, DOF Secretary Margarito Teves, Embassy Charge d’Affaires Carlos Sorreta.

Amb.Gaa (seated, 2nd from right) with Filipino WW II veterans and supporters after the historic Senate vote. Clockwise from top left: Bing Branigin of NaFFA, Ben De Guzman of NAFVE, Perci Abu of the Embassy’s Veterans Office, vet-eran Guillermo Rumingan, Gen. Delfin Lorenzana Embassy’s Veterans Office Head, Ed de Vega Embassy’s Minister for Legislative Affairs, Irene Bueno of NAFVE, Veterans Angelesio Tugado, Joaquin Tejada (photo E. Lachica)


The Philippines, led by Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, reaffirmed its commitment to reducing carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gases that cause global cli-mate change at the Washington Interna-tional Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC) held at the Washington Con-vention Center from 4 to 6 March 2008. Further affirming the Philippines quest for alternative sources of fuel, particu-larly, renewable sources of energy, both Secretaries Reyes and Yap shared the Philippine experience in developing in-digenous renewable sources of energy, such as biofuels and cocofuels. In a statement made before an expert panel session on Forestry and Rural De-velopment, Secretary Yap described how the Philippines embarked on a path to develop a national program for the pro-duction, increased productivity, identifi-cation of suitable lands for cultivation and sustainable supply of crops for use as feedstock which will eventually be util-ized for renewable energy such as biofu-els. When the Comprehensive Renew-able Energy Bill is passed, this will fur-ther invigorate the Philippine renewable energy sector. Already given a major boost by the Ar-royo Administration, the Philippine bio-fuels industry will make more gains with the passage of the Biofuels Act. This law directs the use of biofuels and launched the Philippines' Biofuels Program. It aggressively took the needed first steps

in the country’s efforts to decrease its dependence on foreign oil, imported fossil fuels and slowly attain self-sufficiency in the energy and alternative fuels sector. For his part, Secretary Reyes conveyed at a Ministerial-level discussion on Distrib-uted and Off-grid Generation in Emerg-ing Markets, the Philippines’ strong

commitment to alternative fuels and en-ergy security, through a comprehensive partnership between government and the private sector. By promoting this kind of partnership throughout the country, bio-fuels are proving to be a lucrative and productive-generating industry for thou-sands of Filipinos, particularly farmers. The Philippines pledged anew the fol-lowing (www.wirec2008.org): • 20% increase in public awareness; • Use media, integration in the school

curriculum, and informal training to increase appreciation and use of renewable energy by a larger seg-ment of society; and

• Research and increase education of indigenous sources of renewable energy.

WIREC 2008, an international platform for government, private sector, and non-governmental leaders to jointly address the goal of advancing renewable energy, was hosted co-jointly by the US Depart-ments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, and Energy, as well as the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency, the Na-tional Aeronautics and Space Admini-stration, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The Philippines hosted an Energy Sum-mit, and also launched the Clean Energy and Environment Program, in early Feb-ruary 2008 which signaled the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy as a means of enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change.

I n c o m i n g H o u s e F o r e i g n A f f a i r s C o m m i t t e e C h a i r " A G o o d F r i e n d o f t h e P h i l i p p i n e s "

The incoming Chairman of the influential Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US House of Representatives has told Ambassador Willy C. Gaa that the Philippines can consider him a “good friend”. Representative Howard Berman (D, 28th Dist-CA) made this statement during the call of Ambassador Gaa on him at his Congressional office today. Representative Berman took over the Foreign Affairs Committee in place of Representa-tive Tom Lantos who passed away last February of cancer of the esophagus. “I had a very good meeting today with Chairman Berman. He is a strong supporter of RP-US relations and is also a strong supporter of our nation’s democracy. I look forward to working with Chairman Berman and his staff,” Ambassa-dor Gaa said after his call on the congressman. Chairman Berman and Ambassador Gaa discussed RP-US relations in general and both agreed that these relations have deep historical roots and should continue to be nurtured. “We discussed the great progress that the Philippines has been making, with the support of the United States, in fight-

ing terrorism in Mindanao and in bringing growth and pro-gress to the Southern Philippines,” Ambassador Gaa said. “I emphasized to Chairman Berman that the bulk of the as-sistance funds given by the US Congress goes to the great and meaningful work of saving lives and bringing fresh hopes to the people of Mindanao,” Ambassador Gaa ex-plained. Ambassador Gaa said that Chairman Berman remains a strong supporter of equity for Filipino World War II veter-ans. “Chairman Berman has consistently co-sponsored the equity bills for Filipino World War II veterans,” Ambassador Gaa added. According to Ambassador Gaa, Chairman Berman also agreed to continue to call on his colleagues in the House to support this. “He also said that he will discuss this with the House leader-ship to see how best to move the equity bill forward,” the Ambassador recalled.

S e c r e t a r i e s o f E n e r g y , A g r i c u l t u r e a t t e n d W a s h i n g t o n r e n e w a l e n e r g y m e e t

Following their participation at the 2008 World International Renewable Energy Con-ference (WIREC) in Washington D.C. on 4-5 March 2008, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes (top right) and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (top left) hold a joint press con-ference with Manila and Washington D.C. based media to brief them on their activities at the conference and to discuss Philippine pursuit of bio-fuel and the possible impact of the implementation of the Philippine bio-fuels law, developments in agribusiness, the pursuit and development renewable energy sources and its impact on the Philippine economy, and other related issues. The press conference was held at the Philippine Embassy.

This issue (March-April 08) highlights two landmark developments in the solid and robust ties between the Philippines and the United States. In March, the Millennium Challenge Cor-poration (MCC) declared the Philippines a Compact Eligible country, after success-fully passing the indicators as required un-der MCC’s rules for eligibility. These in-dicators measure standards for ruling justly, investing in people, and economic freedom. This is something which the Philippines has aspired for ever since the establishment of the MCC in 2004. The MCC is now working with our country to develop a Compact Agreement that would properly respond to the special de-velopment needs of our nation. I would appeal to our friends in Congress to con-tinue to provide the necessary funding to ensure the success of the MCC. In April, the fight for justice and equity for Filipino veterans of World War II reached a truly historic milestone. For the first time in over 60 years, the United States Senate voted to pass a bill (S.1315 or the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act) which includes provisions restoring to Filipino WW II vet-erans to their rightful status as U.S. veterans eligible for recognition and benefits from the country under whose flag they valiantly served. Together with Filipino WW II veterans and their supporters, I watched from the Senate Gallery as the votes were cast and counted. It is my hope that very shortly, I will also stand witness, side by side with our veter-ans, when the House takes on this historic piece of legislation. I would also thank our friends in Capitol Hill for the warm welcome extended to the members of a Congressional Delegation from my country who visited to help con-vey the strong desire of the Filipino people to see justice for our veterans.

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


Congressman Howard Berman Democrat, 28th District-California Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee Upon his graduation from law school, Howard Berman began his career in public service with a year's work as a VISTA volunteer. From 1967 until 1973, he practiced law in Los Angeles, specializing in labor relations. In 1973, he was elected to the California State Assembly, where he served until 1982, when he was elected to Con-gress. In his first term in the state l e g i s l a t u r e , t h e n -Assemblyman Berman was named Assembly Majority leader, the youngest person ever to serve in that leadership capacity. He also served as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and the Policy Research Man-agement Committee of the Assembly. Berman is particularly well-known for his ability to form bipartisan coalitions. Together with Republican Henry Hyde, Berman wrote a law authorizing embargoes on nations that support ter-

rorism. With Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, he wrote amendments to the False Claims Act. Berman is the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. He has gained increasing influence on such issues as foreign aid, the Middle East peace process, nonproliferation,

antiterrorism, human rights, technology policy, trade legis-lation, copyright legislation, and immigration reform. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intel-lectual Property, Berman plays a key role in shaping the copy-

right, trademark, and patent laws that are of vital importance to the entertain-ment, biotechnology, broadcasting, pharmaceutical, telecommunication, consumer electronics, and information technology industries. He is from California and completed his BA and LL.B from UCLA. Congressman Berman and his wife, Janis Gail Berman, have two daugh-ters, Brinley and Lindsey.

Congressman Steve Chabot Republican, 1st District-Ohio Congressman Steve Chabot represents Ohio's First District, which encom-passes most of Cincinnati, its western suburbs and southwest Butler County. Chabot was first elected to Congress in 1994 and is serving his seventh term. Congressman Chabot is the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee. He is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee where he had served for the past six years as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Con-stitution. Along with the Small Business and Judiciary Committees, Chabot is a member of the House For-eign Affairs Committee and in the past served as the Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East. In 2003 he was appointed by President Bush to be the Congressional Represen-tative to the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prior to his election to Congress, Chabot served on the Hamilton County Commission and the Cincinnati City

Council. Congressman Chabot is one of Con-gress's leading advocates for fiscal re-sponsibility -- voting consistently to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce the excessive tax burden on hard-working Americans. Nonpartisan taxpayer advocacy groups such as Citizens Against Government

Waste, the Concord Coalition, and the National Taxpayers Union consistently rate Chabot as one of the most pro-taxpayer members of Con-gress. Chabot has helped lead efforts to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act, block taxation of

the Internet, pass product liability re-form measures, and toughen anti-drug laws. He is an outspoken defender of individual privacy rights. Congressman Chabot also served as a House Manager during the Senate im-peachment trial of President Clinton. Chabot received praise for his even-handed and thoughtful approach to the trial. He and his wife Donna have two chil-dren: daughter Erica and son Randy.


veterans. Filipino veterans living in the Philippines will receive US$375 for married veterans, US$300 for single veterans, and US$200 for widows of veterans who pass away after the law is in effect. As the chief sponsors of the bill, Hawaii Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye gave compelling speeches calling on America to fulfill its promise to the Filipinos who fought under the US flag during World War II. They were joined by other Senators who

likewise passionately defended the measure before the floor: Barbara Boxer (D-CA); Benjamin Cardin (D-MD); Hillary Clinton (D-NY); Richard Durbin (D-IL); Robert Menendez (D-NJ); Bar-bara Mikulski (D-MD); Patty Murray (D-WA); Bill Nelson (D-FL); Senate Ma-jority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV); Ken Salazar (D-CO); and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Philippine Embassy officials led by Am-bassador Willy Gaa and leaders and members of Filipino veterans associa-

tions personally witnessed and hailed this historic vote, and afterwards called on a number of Senators to express their deep appreciation for the latter’s support. With this development, the arena now shifts to the U.S. House of Representa-tives, where supporters of the veterans’ cause hope to build on the momentum created in the Senate and move for the expeditious passage of the bill by the House on a bipartisan basis.

S e n a t e p a s s e s h i s t o r i c b i l l . . . f r o m p . 1

Statement of Ambassador Willy C. Gaa on the Passage of Senate Veterans Bill, 24 April 2008

After over sixty years, the Filipino nation is overjoyed that the U.S. Senate has finally voted to pass a veterans bill which cor-rects the injustice done to Filipino WWII veterans. Along with the recognition of their bravery and their invaluable contribution in the fight for freedom and democracy in World War II, Filipino veterans living in the United States will receive benefits in the same amount as that of their U.S. counterparts, whereas their comrades living in the Philippines will be receiving monthly pensions of US$375 for veterans with spouse; US$300 for single veterans; and US$200 for surviving spouses, reflecting the variance in the cost of living in both countries. This is indeed a momentous occasion and a historical moment, a vindication for our long suffering veterans whose tremendous patience and fortitude has finally been duly rewarded. I wish to express my utmost appreciation for their faith and trust in our efforts to aid them in their cause. I wish to thank the Filipino American community for coming together on this issue. Their support and advocacy have been key components in the efforts to correct this injustice to our veterans. Finally, on behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, I would like to thank our friends and supporters in the U.S. Senate for once again demonstrating America’s commitment to the ideals of justice and equality. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration are fully committed to the cause of our veterans, and we acknowl-edge the invaluable support and assistance provided by Senator Richard Gordon and Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela, whose ef-forts led to the passage of a law providing for continued Philippine government support to our veterans even in the event that they should receive benefits from the U.S. government. The recent visit to Washington of members of the House Veterans Committee, led by Chairman Antonio Diaz, Vice-Chairman Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Rep. Roman Romulo, who were joined by PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina and VFP Vice President Manuel Pamaran, was also instrumental in our dis-cussions with U.S. legislators on the issue. With this development, we look forward to a similar development to happen at the U.S. House of Representatives, as we move closer to finally achieving justice and equity for the Filipino WWII Veterans.

Ambassador Gaa Thanks Senator Inouye. Following a vote at the U.S. Senate Floor on 24 April 2008 that saw the passage of Senate Bill S.1315 which contains a provision recognizing the invaluable and heroic services of Filipino veterans in World War II and provides benefits to both U.S. and Philippine-based veterans, Ambassador Willy C. Gaa (right) congratulated and thanked U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D, Hawaii) (left) on 25 April 2008 for his unwavering support for the cause of obtaining justice and equity for Fili-pino WWII veterans. Senator Inouye, along with fellow WWII veteran Senators Daniel Akaka (D, Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R, Alaska), advocated strongly for the passage of the bill noting that this was a matter of honor and was long overdue. Ambassador Gaa has also personally written to the Sena-tors who supported S.1315 to thank them. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up S.1315 shortly.


I believe it is important to acknowledge the valiant service of those Filipino veterans of World War II who served under U. S. command.

Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chair, Veterans Affairs Committee Finally, after over 65 years, we will restore our honor and tell the Filipinos: It is late, but please forgive us. There are few remaining of the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who volunteered and risked their lives.

Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) It is time we show our Nation’s gratitude for the role Filipino World War II veterans played in our history, fighting alongside soldiers from the U.S. and helping us secure victory over tyranny.

Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) Whether fighting to defend democracy overseas or standing sentry on the home front, America’s veterans have been there for us. We have a sacred commitment to honor all of the promises made to them when they signed up to fight for us.

Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) Under our flag, they went on to fight and die on the same battlefields as U.S. troops. They gathered intelligence, organized a guerilla resistance against the Japanese invasion of their island home, and assisted in rescue operations of American prison-ers of war.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) They served right alongside our U.S. troops. They fought to protect our interests as they were asked to in the Pacific. We have a moral duty to repay their sacrifice by providing them with the care they have earned, just as we should do with all of our veterans.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington) If the United States is going to be known as a country that remembers its friends, we should remember our friends in the Phil-ippines . . . Filipino veterans risked their lives to save American lives and their homeland and to fight for the same values we treasure, and we have put them off that long.

Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) These men served on the battlefield and fought courageously alongside American soldiers throughout World War II, took part in the guerilla resistance, and suffered in prisoner-of-war camps including the infamous Bataan Death March in which untold numbers of Americans and Filipinos soldiers suffered and died under brutal conditions . This is a matter of restoring the honor and dignity of these courageous veterans.

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) There is one thing that America should never do, and that is break her word. When we have allies who are side by side with us in war, and they are depending on our word that we are going to take care of them, it is the obligation of America to do that.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida) We need to right an injustice of the past and show our allies for future purposes as well; when we tell people join us in our fight against terrorism, join us in our flight against other challenges in the world that America honors its obligation to those who fight for the values and our principles that we collectively share.

Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey)

We cannot forget the sacrifices these Filipino warriors made as they fought side by side with American troops.

Senator Ken Salazar (D-Colorado) We should grant these former soldiers full status and the limited pension rights contained in this bill so that they can live out their remaining years in dignity and peace.

Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland)

S t a t e m e n t s f r o m t h e S e n a t e F l o o r i n s u p p o r t o f S . 1 3 1 5


P r e s i d e n t A r r o y o s i g n s k e y v e t e r a n s b i l l i n t o l a w o n B a t a a n D a y

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law on 9 April 2008 the Filipino World War II Veterans Pen-sion and Benefits Act of 2008, a law which guarantees that Filipino World War II veterans receiving pensions from the Philippine Government would con-tinue to receive such pensions even if the veterans should henceforth receive similar benefits from other countries, particularly the United States. Under previous laws in the Philippines, such benefits (amounting to a monthly pension of P5,000 Philippine pesos or roughly US$125) would have been withdrawn had the veterans started re-ceiving benefits from the U.S. or any other foreign nation. This law complements current efforts in the U.S. Congress to pass a law pro-viding Filipino World War II veterans their due recognition and benefits. Some US legislators opposed to this measure had expressed concern that the Philippine Government was expecting the U.S. Government to shoulder the

entire responsibility of providing for the Filipino WW II veterans instead of op-erating on the principle of shared re-sponsibility. The signing took place during celebra-

tions commemorating the 66th anniver-sary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (“Day of Valor”). This commemorates the heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who together fought their courageous last stand in Bataan before the peninsula fell on 9 April 1942. This year’s commemoration took place at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. Present were key sponsors of the meas-ure from both the Philippine Senate and the Philippine House of Representa-tives: Senator Richard Gordon and Rep-resentative Solis. This bill had long been a top priority of Senator Gordon, while Rep. Solis had worked with the chief sponsor of the House bill, Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela, in order to get the measure passed in the House. After signing the law, President Arroyo said that she was sending a Philippine congressional delegation to the United States to help lobby for the passage of a Filipino veterans bill. (story and photos on pp. 8-9)

Bataan Day - Araw ng Kagitingan - Day of Valor 9 April 2008

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo salutes after offering a wreath in front of the stained glass mosaic mural at the colonnade during the 66th commemoration of the "Araw ng Kagitingan" on 9 April 2008 at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. Also in photo are (from left) Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Her-mogenes Esperon, Jr. and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney. (Rico Borja/OPS-NIB Photo)

Statement of Ambassador Willy C. Gaa on Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor/Bataan Day), 9 April 2008

The fall of the Bataan Peninsula in World War II is remembered in the Philippines as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” or “Day of Valor.” What we recall on this day is not the success of the overwhelming forces of the enemy but the gallantry and courage of the Filipino and American defenders. For long months, Filipino soldiers valiantly and tenaciously stood their ground and fought with uncommon valor, side by side with American soldiers in fending off the foreign invaders; fighting for their homeland; and fighting for the cause of liberty, justice and democracy. Outnumbered, running out of supplies and ammunition, and with no reinforcements com-ing to their relief, they fought on. Today we once again pay tribute to the courage and loyalty of these of our World War II veterans and those who have gone before them, whose gallant stand on Bataan serves to remind us of the value of freedom and democracy. Their gallant stand echoes through the decades and reminds us that sacrifices must sometimes be made to defend and protect these principles. As we face various threats to our democratic way of life, this reminder and lesson from the past is as timely today as it was during the dark days of World War II. In like manner, the services and sacrifices of these veterans are as relevant as the services and sacrifices of younger gen-erations of veterans fighting and defending the cause of freedom and democracy today. The Filipino World War II vet-eran must be accorded due recognition for the risks and sacrifices he has made in the cause of defending freedom and democracy. And as we pay tribute and give honor to these brave veterans and remember their fallen comrades, let us also reiterate to them our commitment and assure them of our determination to help them achieve that what is long overdue to them – recognition and benefits for their sacrifices and services.


Consul Orontes V. Castro (5th from right) and Vice Consul Roberto T. Bernardo (left) with Mr. William Schmutz (4th from right) of the Office of the Mayor of Chicago and Filipino World War II Veterans after the wreath laying at Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge, Chicago, Illinois on 09 April 2008. On that same occasion, Mr. Schmutz, Director/Community Liaison, Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Veterans’ Affairs, read the Proclamation of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley declaring April 9 as Bataan Day in the City of Chicago.

Consul General Paynor (left) and Cdr. Rudy Asercion (partly hidden) place the wreath in honor of Filipino and American WW II veterans at the War Memorial Veterans Building in San Francisco on 9 April 2008. Certificates of honor and recognition were also issued by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and San Francisco Mayor Gavin to honor Filipino and American WW II veterans.

Congressman Bob Filner (center), Chair of the House Vet-erans’ Committee , joins Embassy officials on 9 April 2008 in presenting Philippine WWII Victory Medals to Mr. Agi-unaldo Fontanilla (right) and Mr. Sostenes Rivera (second from right) at the Philippine Embassy.

Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US commemorate Day of Valor (Bataan Day)

Philippine Senator Richard Gordon (2nd from left) and Ambassador Willy Gaa (3rd from left) lay a wreath at the memorial marker crafted from a rock from the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.

Embassy officials, Filipino WW II veterans and their supporters from the Filipino-American community and others start off the day-long activities in observance of the Day of Valor on 9 April 2008 with a flag-raising ceremony at the Philippine Embassy.

Embassy officials, Filipino WW II veterans and their supporters from the Filipino-American community and others lay a wreath at the Bataan and Corregidor markers at the World War II Memorial in Washington on 9 April 2008.


P h i l i p p i n e C o n g r e s s i o n a l d e l e g a t i o n l o b b i e s f o r F i l i p i n o V e t e r a n s i n W a s h i n g t o n

A Philippine Congressional delegation composed of legislative and executive officials was in Washington from 12 to 19 April 2008 to lobby for the long-awaited passage of a Filipino World War II veterans bill by the U.S. Con-gress. The delegation was led by Rep. Antonio Diaz, Chairman of the Veterans Com-mittee of the House of Representatives. He was accompanied by fellow Com-mittee members Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon and Roman T. Romulo, as well as by Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina and retired Justice Manuel Pamaran, Vice President of the Veter-ans Foundation of the Philippines. Among the U.S. legislators met by the delegation were Senators Daniel Akaka

(D-HI) and Daniel Inouye (D-HI), the chief sponsors of S.1315 or the Veter-ans Benefits Enhancement Act. Other Senators who received the delegation were Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK), John Warner (R-VI) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC). The delegation also met with the staff of Senator John McCain (R-AZ). In the House of Representatives, the delegation had meetings with the Co-Chairmen of the U.S.-Philippines Con-gressional Friendship Caucus, Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) and Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA), who are key movers of the House version (HR 760) of the veterans bill. They also met with other key supporters such as Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Florida), and with the staff of Rep. Bill Billbray

(R-CA) and Rep. John Porter (D-Nevada). The team likewise met with officials of the U.S. Department of Veterans Af-fairs, led by Deputy Undersecretary Keith Pedigo, who assured the delega-tion that the DVA was ready to immedi-ately implement any Filipino veterans legislation once it is passed by the U.S. Congress. In their discussions in Capitol Hill, the group emphasized the historic antece-dents and justifications for the Filipino World War II veterans’ cause, and called on America to once again display its known sense of fairness and justice to fulfill the promise given decades ago to the veterans, who are now living their remaining days on earth.

At the Senate

Clockwise from top left: The Philippine Congressional Delegation with Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska); with Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Veterans Committee; with Senator John Warner (R-Virginia); and Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-North Carolina)


With USVA officials Director Bradley Mayes (2nd from left) and Deputy Undersecretary Keith Pedigo (3rd from left)

At the House of Representatives

At the Veterans Administration

At the Philippine Embassy

Left: With Representative Bob Filner (D-California), Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and co-founder of the Philip-pine-US Congressional Friendship Caucus. Right: With Representative Darrell Issa (R-California), co-founder of he Philippine-US Congressional Friendship Caucus. Both are co-sponsors of the Equity Bill of the House (HR 760)

With Ambassador Willy Gaa (standing) at a gathering of veterans and Filipino Community leaders like Ms. Alma Kern (2nd from left ) to brief them on the actions taken by the Congressional Delegation and to rally them to redouble their efforts on behalf of Filipino WW II veterans.

My Grandfather’s Legacy

William Lee Baltazar (Will is a senior at Herndon High School, Herndon, Virginia; he can be reached at [email protected]) Working as an intern at the Veterans Affairs Office of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines has been a special experience for me. The Veterans Office was created for people like my grandfather, a Filipino World War II veteran. Working in this office has made my internship much more per-sonal and one that I will not soon forget. My grandfather, Jesse M. Baltazar, joined the U.S. Army in the Far East (USAFFE) forces in the Philip-pines when the Japanese invaded in 1941. He lost many family members and friends in the events leading up to and after the invasion. He fought alongside Americans until he was wounded and eventually taken prisoner by the Japanese after the fall of the Allied defense of the Bataan Peninsula. Immediately after the fall and surrender of Allied forces to the Japanese, about 60,000 Filipinos and 18,000 Americans were force to march to a Prisoner of War camp that was 90 miles away. It’s hard to get accurate information of how many sol-diers died but estimates range from 5-10,000. My grandfather was one of the lucky ones who sur-vived the ordeal which today is remembered as the Bataan Death March. He did this by escaping on the 3rd day and even-tually returning home where he lived in secret until the end of the war. After the war was over, my grandfather decided to take America up on its offer to allow Filipinos who served (p. 10 pls.)

Will with his grandfather Jesse Balthazar, a Fili-pino WW II veteran.

M C C g r a n t s c o m p a c t e l i g i b i l i t y s t a t u s . . . f r o m p . 1


Statement of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the granting of MCC eligible status to the Philippines

13 March 2008 Yesterday, our government signed a national budget that dedicates itself to investing in our people and lifting up our poor. Today, another piece of good news for the long term prosperity and stability of our nation has been announced in Wash-ington, DC . The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an official US-government corporation designed to help developing coun-tries fight poverty, announced that the Philippines has been selected as eligible for the MCC compact – an opportunity that can bring hundreds of millions of dollars to our nation to lift our nation out of poverty. This is a great day for the Philippines and the actions by the Millennium Challenge Corporation offers a remarkable valida-tion of the efforts of our government and nation to invest in our people, fight corruption and encourage economic freedom. These are the hallmarks of my Administration, and I am absolutely thrilled to be so recognized for consideration by this prestigious and serious-minded corporation of the US government. In making its dramatic announcement, MCC CEO Ambassador John Danilovich said on behalf of the Directors of the Mil-lennium Challenge Corporation, “Congratulations to the Government of the Philippines for its demonstrated commitment to tackling difficult challenges and improving the lives of its people. While eligibility is an essential first step towards a pov-erty reduction grant from the MCC, selection does not guarantee funding. The Philippines, like all countries eligible for a compact, must maintain its performance on the MCC selection criteria and must now begin a broad-based consultative process with its people to develop a proposal that addresses the country’s barriers to poverty reduction and economic growth. As partners, we agree that ending corruption and finding long-term ways to reduce poverty are urgent priorities that deserve our full attention.” I am deeply honored and pleased that our efforts are paying off and have been recognized in Washington, DC. I believe that if we can all come together, redouble our efforts and continue to meet the criteria of the Millennium Challenge Corpo-ration, the long term benefit to our nation will be the best gift I can leave this nation when I step down in 2010.

in USAFFE to join the U.S. Army. So, in 1946, he boarded a ship in Manila and sailed to Seattle, Washington and underwent Army Boot Camp at Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis), Washington. He eventually rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before attending the U.S. Air Force Officer Candidate School and upon graduation, be-came the first Filipino-born U.S. Air Force officer. As part of his training, he was sent to Georgetown University to study Russian where he met my grandmother, Margrit Baltazar, a foreign student from Switzerland who had come to Georgetown to study English in the hopes of gaining a position in the United Na-tions as an interpreter. As an Air Force officer, he was stationed in many locations and each of his five children was born in a different city. As luck would have it, his last tour was at Clark Air Base in Angeles City where he retired in 1965. He immediately took a job with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam where he stayed until 1970. During this time, my father

and his brothers and sisters stayed in Angeles City and they have fond memories of growing up in the Philippines. My grandfather has instilled many Filipino traditions and cultural norms in me and my siblings since we were little. I respect him very much for his service and duty to his adopted country and especially for the hardships that he has had to endure throughout his life. I know about World War II from a personal point of view because my grandfather lived it. He often tells my family about what he went through and how it has affected him. This makes the struggle that the Veteran’s Affairs office is going through with the Veteran’s Equity Bill personal. In my short time in the office, I have learned more about this fight and how important it is to the veterans. I have already seen the Bill get passed in the Senate and I would hope to see it pass through the House as well. As far as I’m concerned, these Filipino heroes de-serve every ounce of recognition from the U.S. government for their sacrifice so many years ago.

M y G r a n d f a t h e r ’ s L e g a c y f r o m p . 9

“the selection of the Philippines as a Compact eligible country marks a new era in RP-US relations and cooperation and that this is another milestone in this close partnership.” Ambassador Gaa and Philippine Embassy officials met with MCC Vice President Hewko and the MCC Compact Develop-ment Team at MCC’s corporate headquarters in Washington DC to discuss the initial steps that have to be taken towards eventually singing a Compact Agreement. “We had a very good meeting. The MCC is very eager to start the process towards signing a Compact Agreement,” Ambas-sador Gaa said after the meeting. “The MCC is very positive about the Philippines and believes that the Philippine will produce an excellent Compact Proposal. They are confident that that we will be able to successfully implement our Com-

pac t Agreemen t , ” t he Ambas sado r added . Ambassador Gaa said that the MCC Compact Development Team is looking forward to its initial visit to the Philippines so “we can get an early start in the process toward the signing of a Compact Agreement”. “This initial visit will serve to familiarize the Philippine Gov-ernment with the Compact Development process and for the MCC team members to familiarize themselves with the coun-try,” Ambassador Gaa explained. He added that the MCC Compact Development Team hopes to be in the Philippines in May. The two officials also discussed the importance of broad based consultations in developing the Compact Proposal and in eventually implementing Compact Projects.

M i l i t a r y t r a i n i n g e x e r c i s e s f o c u s o n h u m a n i t a r i a n a c t i o n , d i s a s t e r r e l i e f


The 24th BALIKATAN (Shoulder- to-Shoulder) military training exercises between the Philippines and the United States ended on 7 March 2008 with the com-pletion of several humani-tarian projects. Exercise BALIKATAN 2008, an annual bilateral combined exercise, was held in the Philippines from 18 February - 07 March 2008. The BALIKATAN exercises are structured to further develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines in crisis action planning, enhance its ability to effectively conduct counterterrorism operations, and promote interoperability between the partici-pating countries. BALIKATAN 2008 focused on training both armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety. Medical, dental and engineering civil action projects were conducted in Luzon, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan as part of the civic-action component of the exer-cises. In Central and Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, Philippine and U.S. members of the armed forces conducted approximately 23 humanitarian assistance projects. There were no military exercises or war games conducted in Min-danao or Sulu. Approximately 600 U.S. troops worked with civilian authorities and the AFP in these regions on humani-tarian projects. The AFP/U.S. teams offered free medical, dental, and veterinary care.

They also constructed and repaired schools and other commu-nity infrastructure in areas of Mindanao and the Sulu Archi-pelago that are in great need of assistance. In addition, engineering projects were conducted for numer-ous schools, including Pang Elementary School in Jolo, Sulu in Southern Mindanao, St. Juliana Elementary School in Crow Valley, Pampanga and Maragondon National High School in Ternate, Cavite, which was destroyed in a fire last April. Aside from training in relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises, Philippine and U.S. forces also conducted combined staff exercises and field training in Luzon and Palawan to improve contingency planning and strengthen maritime security. Jungle survival training for U.S. military forces was another part of BALIKATAN 2008. This year, jungle survival training involved soldiers from 1-294th Infantry, Guam Army National Guard and 2-200th In-fantry, New Mexico National Guard. The soldiers killed and

cooked cobras, ate wild plants and tested their strength and endurance against members of the Philippine Army Special Forces Soldiers. The annual BALIKATAN exercises is a demonstration of U.S. resolve, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement, and continued commitment to train, advise, and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

A local child receives a medical exam from a U.S. military doctor during a free medical clinic held Feb. 24 in Lagayas, (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nigel North)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military engineers work together to build an elementary school February 22 for the commu-nity of Kadingilan, Midsayap, in North Cotabato. (U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Cody)

E U c o m m e n d s R P f o r e c o n o m y , d e c r e a s e i n k i l l i n g s

During the Philippine Development Fo-rum on 26-27 March 2008 at Clark Field, Pampanga, the European Union (EU) congratulated the Philippines for its sub-stantial gains in its economy and for the significant decrease in incidents of politi-cal violence from 2006 to 2007. On the Philippine economy, the EU noted that the Philippines had achieved substantial GDP growth in 2007 and commended the Philippines for its macro-economic achievements with controlled inflation, a balanced budget and an im-proved balance of payments. The EU also encouraged the Government of the Philippines to continue its efforts to improve competitiveness, including through measures such as an effective competition policy and a reduction of the restrictions on foreign direct investment,

in order to boost a business environment where a thriving private sector provides decent work opportunities to all Filipi-nos. In addition, the European Union reaf-firmed its partnership with the Philippine Government to help achieve the Millen-nium Development Goals and to fight poverty on the basis of truly inclusive growth. On the issue of political violence and killings, the EU acknowledged the sig-nificant decrease in cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and was heartened by the President's emphasis on the need for speedy prose-cution and conviction of those responsi-ble for such heinous acts. The European Union also reaffirmed its willingness to provide relevant technical

assistance to the Philippines in this field. As a result of this commitment to assist the Philippine Government on the issue of addressing the problem of political violence and killings, the European Un-ion and the Philippine Government have reached a basic agreement on 04 April 2008 on the main elements of a technical cooperation package. Known as the European Union Justice Assistance Mission (EUJAM), this tech-nical cooperation package will provide relevant technical assistance, training, support and expertise aimed at strength-ening the Philippine criminal justice sys-tem and its capabilities; support inde-pendent institutions such as the Philip-pine Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman; and help develop a national monitoring system.

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 P h i l i p p i n e s - U S F r i e n d s h i p C a u c u s i n t h e U S C o n g r e s s

Volume 3, Issue 2 March-April 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 2, march-april 2008 philippine ... embassy news letter published by the philippine...

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