MikeLigalig.com

CHICAGO, Illinois â€" Senator Barack Obama greeted Thursday (June 12) Filipinos all over the world in celebrating their 110th Philippine Independence Day.

In a press statement released by the Obama campaign headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, the presidential Democratic nominee extended his warm wishes to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Filipino war veterans who fought alongside the US some 60 years ago.

"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," he said.

Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera led the raising of the huge Philippine flag at the Daley Plaza Thursday at West Washington and Clark Streets in downtown Chicago at 9 a.m. as part of the Independence Day celebration.

A reception followed in the Social Hall of the Philippine Consulate also in downtown Chicago at 5:30 p.m. Among those who attended the reception were the area Filipino World War II veterans, according to Vice Consul Roberto “Bob" Bernardo.

The Filipino connection

Obama went on to say that he grew up in Hawaii and have met Filipinos who "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 Americansâ€"4 million strongâ€"have enriched our country, embodied our nation's highest ideals, and reflected the very best that the Philippines has to offer," Obama said.

"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," he added.

Meanwhile, Obama also expressed desire to work with Filipinos and the Philippine government in the future.

"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," he said.

Support for the veterans

Reiterating his support for the Filipino veterans, Mr. Obama urged his fellow legislators to make the law a reality.

"The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 would honor the service of all US veterans, including these Filipino World War II heroes," Obama said.

The US Senate passed Filipino veterans' equity bill last April.

S. 1316 provides for a flat rate of $3,600 annual non-service disability pension for single Filipino veterans living in the Philippines; $4,500 annually for married veterans; and $2,400 annually for surviving spouses.

While H.R. 760 permits non-U.S. citizen Filipino veterans of World War II residing outside of the United States to be eligible for a pension and death pension paid at a flat rate annually at $8,400 if married, $6,000 if not married and $3,600 for low-income widow.

Both versions will restore full veterans’ status to Filipino veterans of World War II which had been taken away under the Rescission Acts of 1946. This ends a long-standing injustice and fulfills the U.S.’s promises to those who served during World War II. - GMANews.TV

God Bless the Philippines!