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WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Gloria Arroyo expressed her profound
thanks to a group of American lawmakers dedicated to the cause of
friendship between the Philippines and the United States
particularly for their efforts in the payment of benefits to
Filipino veterans of World War II.
“Thank you friends of the Philippines. We are
delighted to meet with you today,” President Arroyo told the
American legislators during a luncheon reception in honor of the
Leaders of the RP-US Friendship Caucus Thursday afternoon (Friday
morning in Manila) at the Veterans Committee Room of the Cannon Hall
Building here.
The President said that the recognition “will
go a long way to rewarding those patriotic Filipinos who fought side
by side with Americans, under the United States command, during the
heroic days of World War II.”
According to the her, the historic ties that
bind the two nations run deep, saying that the US is essential to
the country’s economic, diplomatic and national security.
The President pointed out that her
administration stands firmly with the US government in the fight
against terrorism, standing up to North Korea’s nuclear
adventurism as well as fighting for human rights.
She also told the American lawmakers about the
reestablishment of official contact toward the resumption of peace
talks in Mindanao, in the Muslim South of the Philippines.
“Interfaith dialogue and the pivotal role of
the international community, including members of the Philippines-US
Friendship Caucus, played a central role in getting the peace
process back on track,” the President declared.
Through continued US support, she said, the US
has been “a strong ally in helping train our military to be
professional and effective.”
The President noted that the US has been a key
ally in advancing the “soft” power by helping build schools,
roads and bridges and building up the local economy through
development assistance.
She expressed hope that his new paradigm for
peace is something that can be replicated elsewhere in the world.
In this connection, Mrs. Arroyo underscored the
need to bring peoples of all faiths together, stop violence and move
ahead in common humanity.
At the same time, the President lauded Capitol
Hill specifically for passing the proposed American Clean Energy and
Security Act.
She said that as an archipelagic nation, the
Philippines is particularly vulnerable to dramatic changes in
weather and rising seas. She vowed to do everything in her power to
work with the US on this vital issue that confronts the whole world.
Mrs. Arroyo asked the American legislators for
their support for the Save our Industries Act, which provides that
if a garment is made up of US-made fabrics and yarns and is cut and
wholly assembled in the Philippines, then it would qualify to
reenter the US free of duty.
Before her speech, the President conferred
awards to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher—Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mike
Honda—Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mazie Hirono—Golden Heart Award;
and Rep. Bob Filner—Order of Lakandula Award; Rep. Darell Issa—Order
of Lakandula Award; and Rep. Bryan Bilbray—Order of Lakandula
Award.
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