Congratulating Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the Occasion of Her Re-Election as President of the Philippines

CONGRATULATING GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO ON THE OCCASION OF HER RE-ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES-HON. DARRELL E. ISSA (Extensions of Remarks - June 25, 2004)

HON. DARRELL E. ISSA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2004

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was officially proclaimed President of the Philippines yesterday, the 23rd of June, 2004. This election marks a milestone in the politics of the Philippines. It demonstrated that, despite the difficulties that persist in the Philippines, the leadership of the country remains committed to democratic governance.

I have had the pleasure of meeting President Arroyo on two separate occasions. I have also interacted and worked with several members of her cabinet. The Philippines, under the leadership of President Arroyo, has been a steadfast partner of the United States in the War on Terror. While Al-Qaeda has sought to spread its influence, training camps and criminal enterprises into Asia, the government of the Philippines has taken a proactive approach to ensure that international terrorism does not take root in this strong ally of the United States. The government of the Philippines has recently made important strides towards protecting intellectual property rights and other measures that will strengthen trade and contact between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, as Americans, we have the privilege of living in the world's strongest democracy and as such we, as a nation, often take it upon ourselves to answer freedom's call and point out injustices in the world and, in some occasions, take an active role to bring democracy to those who do not enjoy freedom. While these cases of injustice often command our immediate attention, it is important to note the United States has many friends throughout the world who, like the Philippines, have been there for the United States when we have needed a dependable ally.

The 108th Congress has also acted to strengthen the friendship between our two nations. The aid we provide the Philippines provides important support in the War on Terror and our decision to grant Filipino veterans of World War II the same benefits as the American counterparts with whom they served has gone a long way toward righting an injustice and enhancing the ability of the government of the Philippines to work with the United States on numerous issues of mutual concern.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I congratulate both President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on her re-election to a new term of office and the people of the Philippines for holding a competitive election that demonstrated the vibrant spirit of democracy of the Philippines. I look forward to working with President Arroyo on future projects that benefit both America and the Philippines.