Barack Obama Greets Filipinos on Philippine Independence Day

Written on Saturday, June 14th, 2008 at 3:49 pm | by Letters To Editor

courtesy of J. Castro, through email. The statement made by Barack Obama on Philippine Independence Day.

“After hundreds of years of struggle for independence, the Filipino people declared their independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and the first Philippine republic was born.

“The Philippines has been a staunch partner of the United States through the Cold War and the war against terrorism. In part because of our shared history, we cannot ignore the fact that the Philippines continues to confront many difficult challenges, including persistent poverty, natural disasters, and political division. But as a nation rich in natural and human resources, with a proud legacy as the first democracy in Asia, the Philippines also holds great opportunities and hope for the future. An ongoing challenge of the 21st century will be to ensure that these opportunities to make a better life are open to all. I look forward to working with the Filipino people and their government, as part of the global community, to combat poverty and generate wealth, build healthy and educated communities, and change the odds for generations to come.”

“Particularly important to note on this day is the continuing struggle of Filipino World War II veterans to receive the veterans benefits they rightfully deserve. 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, forging a historic bond between our two nations and their people. Filipinos displayed great courage alongside American soldiers at Bataan and Corregidor, only to be denied their just benefits by our government. The Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 would honor the service of all U.S. veterans, including these Filipino World War II heroes. The Senate passed this bill last April. I urge my colleagues in Congress to take note of this day to honor the heroic service of Filipino World War II veterans by finally turning this important legislation into law.

“On this anniversary, we also must recognize the enormous contributions of generations of Filipino immigrants to building a more vibrant United States of America. Indeed, more than 60 years after World War II, Filipino-Americans continue to serve brilliantly and bravely as members of our fighting forces. I grew up in Hawaii, where Filipinos have had an enormous positive impact on the culture and economy. As dedicated military and civil servants, lawyers and bankers, artists, engineers and entrepreneurs, agricultural and industrial laborers, healthcare providers and customer service workers, caretakers for our elderly and youth, Filipino Americans—4 million strong—have enriched our country, embodied our nation’s highest ideals, and reflected the very best that the Philippines has to offer.

“Today, I extend my warm wishes to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the people of the Philippines. Let us join with Filipinos worldwide and Filipino Americans to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. Mabuhay!”

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6 Responses to “Barack Obama Greets Filipinos on Philippine Independence Day”

  1. cvj on June 14th, 2008 3:57 pm

    Hopefully, that speech by Obama would overcome some of the latent racism among many in the Fil-Am community.

  2. J on June 14th, 2008 5:06 pm

    So glad he acknowledged our WW2 heroes.

  3. Paul, Obama Blog on June 15th, 2008 2:47 am

    Barack Obama has been a consistent support of equity for Filipino WWII veterans.

  4. butch on June 15th, 2008 10:18 am

    Benjamin “Boying” Pimentel, former Philippine Collegian editor, journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, novelist and blogger, believes that the continuing antipathy between blacks and Filipinos (and Asians in general) will lead Pinoys to reject Obama and support McCain.

    Read: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/mindfeeds/mindfeeds/view/20080225-121001/Will-Pinoys-reject-Obama-because-hes-Black

  5. Dan Orosa on October 10th, 2008 2:05 am

    All Filipinos should support Senator Obama, because
    Patrick Buchanan (who endorses Mccain) of the Republican Party has called Filipinos “little monkeys,” and that America
    should end legal immigration from all parts of Asia
    because the “little monkeys are mixing their blood with
    pure white women.”

  6. crisgin on October 28th, 2008 11:40 pm

    mga baliw talaga mga pinoy naging pepe at bingi na.ganito ba gusto natin pinoy si obama for that reason well he is running for abortion if he was well he running for dead people who call their self christian but not believing in HIM….that was so great and then he wanted the gay marriage legal for what…well if i was a man sekking for pussy not for but whole…..well i would be glad to have the truth pusy for men….not but whole to sex with..god make the pussy for men not pencing the cook to cook

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