[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 235--COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE 
            PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE PHILIPPINES

  Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Helms, Mr. Biden, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Inouye, 
Mr. Lugar, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Cochran, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Roth, Mr. 
Coverdell, Mrs. Feinstein, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 235

       Whereas 1998 marks 100 years of special ties between the 
     people of the United States and the people of the Philippines 
     and is also the centennial celebration of Philippine 
     independence from Spain which initiated relations with the 
     United States;
       Whereas the people of the Philippines have on many 
     occasions demonstrated their strong commitment to democratic 
     principles and practices, the free exchange of views on 
     matters of public concern, and the development of a strong 
     civil society;
       Whereas the Philippines has embraced economic reform and 
     free market principles and, despite current challenging 
     circumstances, its economy has registered significant 
     economic growth in recent years benefiting the lives of the 
     people of the Philippines;
       Whereas the large Philippine-American community has 
     immeasurably enriched the fabric of American society and 
     culture;
       Whereas Filipino soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with 
     American troops on the battlefields of World War II, Korea, 
     and Vietnam;
       Whereas the Philippines is an increasingly important 
     trading partner of the United States as well as the recipient 
     of significant direct American investment;
       Whereas the United States relies on the Philippines as a 
     partner and treaty ally in fostering regional stability, 
     enhancing prosperity, and promoting peace and democracy; and
       Whereas the 100th anniversary of relations between the 
     people of the United States and the people of the Philippines 
     offers an opportunity for the United States and the 
     Philippines to renew their commitment to international 
     cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Philippines on the commemoration of 
     its independence from Spain;
       (2) looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
     friendship and cooperation with the Philippines in the years 
     ahead for the mutual benefit of the people of the United 
     States and the people of the Philippines;
       (3) supports the efforts of the Philippines to further 
     strengthen democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the 
     expansion of free market economics both at home and abroad; 
     and
       (4) recognizes the close relationship between the nations 
     and the people of the United States and the people of the 
     Philippines and pledges its support to work closely with the 
     Philippines in addressing new challenges as we begin our 
     second century of friendship and cooperation.

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution to 
commemorate 100 years of relations between the people of the United 
States and the people of the Philippines. It is especially fitting for 
Congress to recognize our special relationship with the Philippines 
because this year is also the centennial of Philippine independence 
from Spain. Senators Helms, Biden, Thomas, Inouye, Roth, Lugar, Boxer, 
Cochran, Coverdale, and Murray have joined me in submitting the 
resolution.
  Our country's friendship with the Philippines began in 1898, a year 
which also marked a growing U.S. interest in the Pacific region. Over 
the years, the Philippines has modeled its governmental institutions 
after the United States and has demonstrated a growing commitment to 
democracy, human rights, and a free market economy.
  Until the end of the Cold War, the United States maintained major 
military facilities in the Philippines, which played a significant role 
in preserving regional peace and stability. The United States has 
important strategic, economic, and political interests in Southeast 
Asia and regional stability remains an overriding U.S. concern. To this 
end, Filipino soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder with American 
troops on the battlefields of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to 
protect and advance mutual interest. Today, the Philippines remains an 
important partner in guarding the peace and maintaining stability in 
Southeast Asia.
  In the twelve years since the peaceful ``people power'' revolution 
restored democracy to the Philippines, President Aquino and Ramos 
established a democratic government and instituted market-based reforms 
which placed the Philippines--politically and economically--on a strong 
foundation for the 21st century. Economic growth exceeded 6 percent 
last year and is forecast to grow at 3 percent in 1998.
  In many ways the Philippines has emerged as a model for her Asian 
neighbors. Political stability and democratic institutions were 
strengthened by free market and trade reforms. In turn, deregulation, 
lower tariffs and government debt, financial transparency, and respect 
for the rule of law provide a healthy economic foundation for the 
Philippine's future.
  It was not long ago that the Philippine economy was far behind the 
economic tigers of Asia. The Filipino people's love of democracy and 
political vitality were blamed in large part for this circumstance. 
Critics cited the absence of so-called ``Asian values'' in the 
Philippines, namely a willingness to make democracy secondary to 
prosperity and order. History has proven these commentators wrong, and 
today the Filipino model inspires advocates of democracy throughout 
Asia. Stability relies upon democracy and prudent economic policies.
  Last month when President Clinton and President Ramos met at the 
White House they reaffirmed the friendship between our nations. The 
leaders promised to continue close cooperation in responding to the 
Asian financial situation and conducted a frank discussion on bilateral 
issues, including remediation efforts at the former Subic and Clark 
bases and benefit parity for Filipino-American veterans.
  During this special year in which we observe the centennial of our 
relationship with the Philippines and the centennial of their 
independence, we have much to celebrate. First, we recognize the 
valuable contributions of Filipino-Americans to our nation. Filipino 
Americans helped to build and create the modern Hawaiian economy and 
have contributed greatly to the cultural diversity that is celebrated 
in my state. My good friend, Governor Ben Cayetano, is the first 
Filipino-American governor in the United States. In addition, we 
reflect on our close friendship and cooperation with the Philippines in 
times of war and peace. And finally, we look forward to continued close 
ties with a democratic and prosperous Republic of the Philippines, as 
we work together to champion democracy and economic growth in the 
dawning Pacific century.

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