    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 14, 2003]
    [Pages 1337-1338]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Interview With Antonio Baltazar V. Nebrida, Jr., of the Philippines' NBN TV-4
    October 14, 2003

    The Philippines' Role in the War on Terror

        Mr. Nebrida. Mr. President, the Philippines has taken a position
    behind just about every initiative that the United States Government has
    taken against the global fight against terrorism. As a partner in this
    endeavor, what do you see the Philippines doing further?
        The President. First of all, Gloria Arroyo, the President, has been very strong, and I appreciate
    that. And I appreciate my friendship with her. Secondly, the Philippines
    has recognized that there is a problem in parts of the country and have
    asked for some help, some training. And we're more than happy to provide
    it, because there's no question in my mind the will of the Government is
    to bring people to justice, and the Government has. In other words,
    there's a recognition of the problem and a willingness to deal with it.
        I think that our relationship is such--it's a very close,
    longstanding relationship--is such that we will see opportunities to
    work together, and we will work in concert. I would never ask the
    Philippines to do something that the Government was comfortable doing,
    but our relationship is good.
        And one key thing that people need to understand is that the war on
    terror goes on, and therefore, it's important to have leaders who
    understand that. And the President understands that, and I appreciate
    her courage.

    Upcoming Elections in the Philippines

        Mr. Nebrida. Continuing with the program, the Philippines is coming
    into a very critical phase. We're getting our national and local
    elections in 2004. Are there apprehensions over the exercise itself, or
    the outcome of the election?
        The President. Well, first of all, there's no apprehension over the
    outcome of the election. The people--we trust the people in America.
    We've got our own elections, by the way, coming up in 2004. I would hope
    that the Philippines would continue

    [[Page 1338]]

    to serve as a good example of democracy in the region, in other words,
    that there be an inclusiveness and, of course, that the elections be
    carried off in a peaceful way. It will be a very important election for
    others to watch, and watch the example of the Philippines' elections.
    And the people will make the right decision. I know my friend is running
    again, and she's got a strong agenda to run on.

    Filipino Americans

        Mr. Nebrida. All right. Close historic links between the United
    States and the Philippines are seen in the very large and significant
    Filipino community in the United States.
        The President. Yes.
        Mr. Nebrida. How do you see the contribution of that particular
    community in nation-building here in the United States?
        The President. Well, first of all, there's roughly 2 million
    Philippine Americans, which is a wonderful contribution to our country.
    These people are great people. And I know; I work with them right here
    in the White House. We've got some great Philippine Americans here that
    are proud of their country but most of all love America, because we
    stand for freedom and justice and opportunity. And the Philippine
    community has provided great contributions in business and arts and
    civic participation. And I'm really proud that there are that many
    Philippine Americans who are citizens of our great land.

    Upcoming APEC Summit

        Mr. Nebrida. You're heading for Thailand. The Philippines--our
    President is also heading for the APEC meeting there. You will be
    meeting each other. There are apprehensions over the emergence of
    bilateral agreements, trade agreements, and regional trading blocs. Is
    APEC still a relevant organization as far as the United States sees its
    allies and its partners?
        The President. Yes, that's a very good question. It needs to be
    relevant, because APEC has--that room will fill up with leaders that can
    do a lot to shape a more peaceful world and a more prosperous world.
    Trade is a central element of our foreign policy, and many of our
    trading partners, like the Philippines, will be in that room. And we've
    got to talk about free trade and open trade. We cannot--you know, we
    must advance the agenda of the WTO.
        There is a great opportunity to discuss ways to enhance prosperity.
    And I might remind everybody that this war on terror continues. There's
    a lot of wonderful leaders that will be in the room who have dedicated
    themselves to the proposition that we must deal with terror now or be
    dealing with it in more violent forms later. And President
    Arroyo is such a leader. So I'm
    looking forward to having a very frank discussion and a good discussion
    with APEC. I think APEC is relevant, and I think this meeting will help
    make it more relevant.
        Mr. Nebrida. Mr. President, thank you so much.
        The President. Thank you, sir.
        Mr. Nebrida. Thank you for this opportunity to be with you, and it's
    indeed an honor and privilege.
        The President. My honor, too. You're welcome. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The interview was taped at 3:17 p.m. in the Library at the White
    House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 18. In his remarks, the President referred to
    President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of this interview.