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June 25th, 2008
Obama Welcomes Visit by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Posted by Keith KamisugiU.S. Senator Barack Obama yesterday released the following statement on the visit of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the United States:
"I welcome the visit this week of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her delegation to the United States. President Arroyo’s visit is an opportunity to strengthen our historic alliance, and to discuss a host of issues of mutual interest.
"I wish first to express my sympathies through President Arroyo to the victims and families of typhoon Fengshen, which has just hit the southern portion of the Philippines, leaving tremendous devastation in its wake. I urge the U.S. government to provide emergency support to alleviate the suffering caused by this catastrophic natural disaster.
"The bond between the United States and the Philippines is strong and enduring. The Philippines has been an important ally of the United States through World War II, the Cold War, and now the fight against terrorism and extremism. The 1954 Manila Pact formed a cornerstone of U.S. policy in Southeast Asia during the Cold War, and the Philippines continues to be one of only two U.S. treaty allies in Southeast Asia today. After the events of September 11, 2001, the Philippines has worked closely with the United States to root out Al Qaeda and its affiliates in the region.
"Annual joint military exercises, named "Balikatan," or "Shoulder-to-Shoulder," have been a model of cooperation, and form the core of U.S.-Philippine military-to-military activities to support the Philippines with its ongoing defense reform efforts. I support these continuing programs, including upgrading and enhancing the military’s equipment and training.
"The agenda for President Arroyo’s visit is full. Together, we must address many challenges going forward, including the future of ASEAN, the continuing tragedy in Burma, implementation of recently-authorized Millennium Challenge Account assistance, and alleviation of the effects of the global food crisis on the Philippines. We should deal with these challenges with confidence in the foundation of our common interests and the shared values on which our relationship is based.
"President Arroyo will also come to offer her appreciation for the United States Senate’s passage of the Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 in April. This legislation would offer Filipino veterans the benefits they rightfully deserve for their heroic service during World War II. Filipino and American troops fought bravely together under some of the most trying conditions suffered by any forces during that conflict. Filipinos displayed great courage alongside American soldiers at Bataan and Corregidor, only to be denied their just benefits by our government. I join President Arroyo in urging my colleagues in Congress to honor the heroic service of Filipino World War II veterans by finally turning this important legislation into law.
"The most important part of our bilateral relationship is the deep and abiding people-to-people bond that our two nations share. I grew up in Hawaii, where Filipinos have had an enormous positive impact on the culture and the economy. Across the United States, generations of Filipino immigrants have enriched our society and contributed to building a more vibrant United States of America. The continuing bond they have with the land of their heritage resonates in the strong families and communities they have woven into the fabric of American society. As dedicated citizens, Filipino Americans–4 million strong– embody our nation’s highest ideals.
"The Philippines has a proud legacy as Asia’s first democracy, a legacy that should be honored and cherished but never taken for granted by the American people. I have great hope for the Philippines and admiration for its people. I extend a warm welcome to President Arroyo on her visit to the United States, and I look forward to working with her and her country in years to come as the Philippine people work together with us toward a better and more secure future for our two nations, for Asia, and for the world."
June 27th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Still more of the same: Obama speech shows absence of change in unequal RP-US ties
Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
Secretary General, BAYAN
The speech of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on the arrival of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Aroryo tells us that there would be no substantial changes in US foreign policy and relations with the Philippines if ever he wins the US presidency.
For a person running on a platform of change, his speech seems to be sorely lacking it. There will be no changes in US military engagement in the Philippines, the Balikatan war games, the ‘war on terror’ and the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1954.
Mr. Obama appears to be adhering to the worn-out neo-colonial relations between the US and the Philippines established way back in 1945 upon the granting of Philippine nominal independence. These relations as embodied in several treaties, reminds us of the unequal status of the Philippines in relation to America. These relations have consistently trampled on our national sovereignty.
Mr. Obama should first and foremost be reminded that Arroyo fully supported the war in Iraq, a war which he was opposed to from the very beginning. Mr. Obama opposed the war in Iraq with consistency while Arroyo has been fully supportive of the Bush regime’s preemptive strike policy and war on terror, even sending troops to Iraq.
Mr. Obama should be informed that the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement has resulted in US military intervention in the Philippines as well as human rights abuses and rape.
Mr. Obama should be reminded that millions of dollars US military aid to the Philippines has gone to the Armed Forces of the Philippines which is being accused of committing gross human rights violations. The allegations are of rights abuses are even supported by UN special rapporteur Philip Alston and many other international watchdogs.
There is no doubt in our minds that US foreign policy towards the Philippines needs changing. We cannot adhere to the same unequal treaties and policies crafted during the Cold War and expanded further during the ‘war on terror.’ From his speech on Arroyo, Obama doesn’t seem to be the person pushing for that change.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Obama knows the right words to say but he doesn’t seem to know the specifics about the problems the Philippines is having. Reading his speech about the Philippne-US relations is like reading something out of wikipedia…devoid of crucial specific details.
Obama had a one-sided converstaion in all this. He spoke but I doubt he listened to the problems that the Philippines faces. That is in contrast with John McCain who actually set aside time to meet with the President of the Philippines and thanked her for meeting with him.
July 20th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I think it’s a beautiful statement, except for a slightly vexing and forgivable faux pas
of his looking forward “to working with her and her country years to come”…
As people back here are more than hard put to see their own democracy thru.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Dear Senator Obama,
I’ve been meaning to write to you for a while, but I was especially inspired now, after having just listened to the “Barack Obama: Yes We Can” mixtape put together by Russell Simmons and Green Lantern.
You represent the feelings of the people and work for the unity of American people towards change and progress. That’s a beautiful thing and is the hope of the people right here and right now. But to truly be progressive and develop accurate policies you have to be aware of the realities of our people here in America and how we affect the realities of people all across the world.
I was intrigued to hear you mention the murders of labor leaders in Colombia during the last presidential debate. You said it affected your decisions to pursue relations with the Columbian government. I wasn’t very aware of the issues in Colombia, but that made me want to learn more. I commend how you also talked about the importance of defending human rights.
A few months ago, in June, the president of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the United States with her entire cabinet to meet with your campaign as well as McCain’s. I’m not sure what communications were made between you two, but to welcome them you made a statement saying that it was an opportunity to “strengthen our historic alliance and discuss a host of issues of mutual interest” between the United States and the Philippines.
In your statement, you also expressed your support for the “Balikatan” joint U.S.-Philippine military-to-military activities “to support the Philippines with its ongoing defense reform efforts.” This worried me. You then continued about “upgrading and enhancing their equipment and training.” As much as I am inspired by your message of hope and change, Senator Obama, your position on this issue is inconsistent with your pro-people principles and human rights advocacy.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ascended to the presidency in 2001 after the overthrow of the previous president by massive public demonstrations and organizing by the Filipino people, injecting the entire nation with hope that their president would bring change and no longer be corrupt, incompetent, and oppressive. But seven years later, the people have been severely disappointed and clearly deceived.
Since she has been in power, Arroyo has waged an all-out war against the Filipino people with outright attacks on their human rights. Today, over 900 community organizers, just like you once were, have been assassinated by her administration and the Philippine military. These people were organizing for community empowerment and addressing the people’s needs in urban poor shanty areas in the cities, in rural peasant areas in the provinces, in schools, in churches, in unions, in indigenous villages, and all across the country.
Many were even organizing to put progressive candidates that truly represent the people, just like yourself, into Congress. In the presidential and congressional elections of 2004 and 2007, these organizers were encouraging people to exercise their democratic rights to vote. But they were ordered to be killed by the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Can you imagine? It would be just as if one of your campaign organizers in the one of the states were harmed for supporting you and educating people about your platform. It is utterly reprehensible and is a total violation of what we as people of America believe in. It’s a violation of all humanity, of even the basic right to live.
These military activities, that you previously stated your support for, are an essential instrument and agent for such human rights violations. Under the direction of President Arroyo, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been implementing a military policy called “Oplan Bantay Laya 2″ which has been killing innocent civilians and community organizers as part of their counter-insurgency operations.
In March of this year, your staff met with Edith Burgos, the mother of disappeared agricultural activist Jonas Burgos. She told them of his abduction by 4 armed men at a Metro Manila shopping mall in broad daylight. Their vehicle was later found at military camp yet the military continues to deny that he is in their custody.
Senator Obama, I encourage you to further study the reality of the situation in the Philippines to make a better informed decision on the issues that directly affect us as Americans and as well as our families abroad. Just as you are critical of relations with Colombia, it is imperative that we stop sending our taxpayer dollars to fund the inhumane and repressive Philippine military and government. That money should instead be used for much needed programs and services right here at home.
You can read more about these human rights abuses at karapatan.org (Karapatan, the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights) and stopthekillings.org. Thank you so much for your time and hard work. I look forward to your successful election as the new President of the United States of America and your implementation of genuine change that truly serves the real needs of the people.
Towards victory,
Eric Tandoc
Long Beach, CA
November 21st, 2008 at 7:06 am
its just like rereading and narrating one of our history books back in Elementary.. There were no specific statements regarding intentions of future plans of both countries.
January 18th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
[...] in the Democratic primaries, Obama had referred to the Balikatan as a “model of cooperation,” and the core of US-Philippine [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:31 am
It is a rare occation that I find myself so impressed that I’m at a loss of words due to agreement. Thank you and God Bless you Mr. Eric Tandoc. That was beautiful and very informative.
Chris
NJ & Paranaque
August 6th, 2009 at 1:39 am
CONGRATULATIONS MADAM PRESIDENT!!! LET THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW YOU ARE MY ONLY NO.1 PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT OF ALL TIME!!! TRULY INDEED YOU ARE THE 100% POSITIVE WORKING PRESIDENT WITH ACTION!!! I REALLY DO ADMIRE AND VALUE YOUR HARD WORK, DEDICATION, AND THE SO MANY WAYS OF YOUR WORTHWHILE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COUNTRY!!! TRULY YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION!!!I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU EVEN IN MY OWN SMALLEST WAYS!!! I LOVE YOU AND I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU!!! I WONT LET ANYTHING UNFAVORABLE EVEN HARMFUL TO COME YOUR WAY!!! CONGRATS AGAIN YOUR EXCELLENCY!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY (GLORIA)!!!
WITH ALL MY RESPECT, ADMIRATION AND PRAISE:
MR. ALEXANDER RECUENCO VILLAREAL, JR.
PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
LOCATION: MANDALUYONG CITY 1550, PHILIPPINES
EMAIL: official2site@gmail.com
January 13th, 2010 at 6:05 am
the speech was definitely boring. there was no expression at all except for the information i already know. it’s like his reading my mind. eew. senator obama, you must know the truth.. philippines wants arroyo to step down from presidency. –just like what you did from your speech, i sent this to you to say that it is boring to read something you already know, the whole world knows! just for the sake of her arrival..tsk! bloodyhell.
August 21st, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Book marked - will return in in a few days to check rest threads.
August 24th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
We do not agree with your last stage.
August 30th, 2011 at 6:04 am
Youre so right. Im there with you. Your blog is definitely worth a read if anyone comes across it. Im lucky I did because now Ive got a whole new view of this. I didnt realise that this issue was so important and so universal. You certainly put it in perspective for me.
September 20th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Highly useful bless you, I reckon your current readers would most likely want even more content similar to this keep up the good effort.
November 8th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
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