LOS ANGELES – Filipino-American World War II veteran supporters are saddened by the sexual harassment allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, a once staunch supporter of their plight.

Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc., said he wishes Filner well and hopes the 70-year-old mayor will get the help he needs to overcome his personal shortcomings.

“We are sad about Mayor Filner’s predicament,” said Lachica in an email to the Asian Journal. “[Him] seeking counseling for his personal shortcomings is needed for his political survival.”

Filner, a longtime supporter of Filipino WWII veterans, is accused of sexually harassing “numerous” female employees during his time as a political figure.

Opponents have been calling for the former San Diego Congressman and now Mayor to resign from his position.

During a press conference on Monday, Filner’s opponents: former city councilwoman Donna Frye and attorney Marco Gonzalez, released more details about Filner’s alleged misbehavior with women, including “forcibly kissing” constituents, and grabbing a staffer’s buttocks and breasts, according to the Los Angeles Times.

On July 12, Filner apologized for his inappropriate behavior, in a DVD given to media outlets.

Arturo Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) said JFAV does not condone Filner’s alleged misconduct.

“We are saddened by the fact he did not conduct himself to the moral high ground as a public official,” said Garcia. “We take his apology as a person who knows how to account for his actions.”

Filner is very well-known in the Filipino-American community.

As a Democrat US Congressman in San Diego for more than two decades, Filner championed the plight of Filipino WWII veterans and helped them receive a $198-million lump sum benefits package.

Filner, in his apology, said he plans to get help for his behavior.

(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek July 17-19, 2013 Sec A pg.1)