[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 43 (Monday, October 27, 2003)]
[Pages 1415-1416]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

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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.