[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14255-14256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO ON THE OCCASION OF HER RE-
                ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

                                 ______
                                 

                          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

[[Page 14256]]

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.

                          ____________________