by Atty. José Y. Lauchengco, Jr.
Mga magiliw na kapatid, kapwa Pilipino:
We cannot sit idly by while one person singularly misrepresents the feelings of the people of the Philippines toward America. To the best of our abilities, each of us should do whatever we can about it. Though we, Filipino-Americans, love America, we do not lose our very dear sentiments to, and our memories of, the land of our birth. Our children and grandchildren are Americans. But they do not lose their Filipino ethnicity. There are more than four million of us in America, and we should rise to the occasion. The Philippines is in crisis!
The close relationship between the two countries should not be decimated. Without hesitation, I say that there are millions and millions of Filipinos in the Philippines, as well as overseas workers who feel the same.
We are aware that there have been shortcomings on the part of the U.S. government toward the Philippines pertaining to trade and commerce, and very particularly, to its immigration policies and the arrogance of consular officials in Manila. And of extreme importance, is the failure of Washington to give ironclad guarantees … as it gave to its allies in Europe, that the Philippines is vital to its interests and would militarily defend the country in the event of violations to its sovereignty. These are a breach of the close relationship, praised as brotherhood forged in battles and sealed in blood. The cemeteries of Filipino and American heroes lie side by side, and by the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.
These notwithstanding, Filipinos remained resilient and patient. Washington, however, mismanaged its geopolitical relations with the Philippines. Have they lost a strategically located ally?
But we, Filipino-Americans, must nevertheless stand up. We call the attention of the Philippine Army that they are the Army of the Philippines … their fellow Filipinos, and NOT the Army of a single man, though he may be the president. Conflicts will rise in their breasts between their duty of obedience to the Commander in Chief, against their innate obligation … borne from moral principles and faithful loyalty to the people. The latter must supersede. Their oath is fidelity to the Constitution, not to a single person: To uphold and defend the Constitution against enemies at home and abroad! The same applies to officials of the country, former or incumbent, as they are the grass root leaders of the mass.
It is true that the newly elected president won by more than six million votes. But the question arises: Would he have won by that margin if he had been truthful to the people and disclosed that he harbored antipathy toward America? He misrepresented himself, publicly advocating, but without telling how, only the obliteration of overwhelming drug abuse, stopping corruption, and decreasing the high crime rate. Who would not have fallen for that platform?
But the masquerade has now unfolded. Where do we, ethnic Filipinos, stand? Ultimately, the citizens of the Philippines will make the decision.
Mabuhay!
Jose Y. Lauchengco Jr.
Attorney-at-Law, Los Angeles, California
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