BALITANG BETERANO: REVERENCE TO THE CONSTITUTION
MANILA, March 12, 2005 (STAR) Culled by Col (Ret.) Frank B. Quesada, (Former Senate Committee Secretary, Associate PMA ‘ 44 ) - My attention was called by a fellow war-veteran on a piece written by a columnist in Nevada who asked if there is such thing as true friend in this modern world. The article referred to Filipino-Americans (300,000 of them) who, in World War II were conscripted by Pres. F. Roosevelt, made to shed blood and die for American imperialism. And the present U.S. troops sent to Basilan in a joint military exercises against terrorismPutrid Dollar Diplomacy
The article said, “ Filipinos were special friends, and the U.S. enjoyed their company both during the times of piece and international stress. During the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942 when American and Filipinos died together, they earned our admiration.”
“Our nation (the U.S) spent large sums of tax dollars keeping the Philippine government afloat and insurgents suppressed for several decades.
“Despite receiving $203 million annual rent for the base the senators wanted Uncle Sam to leave. The U.S.. finished its withdrawal and closed down the naval facility a Subic Bay.
“ Ten years later, 2002, the Philippine government felt threatened by the Abu Sayap, a Muslim terrorist group at Basilan Island, Because of our own war on terrorism the Dept. of Defense sent 1,300 special troops to train Filipino soldiers and guide them in combat. Americans were not allowed to use their weapons except in self-defense”
Facts and Rationale
Hard and Compelling Facts
I am compelled to provide hard facts (the truth) because the author failed to do his homework And also failed to provide facts about the real actuations of U.S.. investors and military presence in the Philippines. The local media, of course is led by propaganda, believing such as the gospel truth – when in fact a lot of truths were concealed for some reasons.
Controversial Military Bases
1. The presence of U.S. bases in the Republic of the Philippines was illegal from its inception. And because it runs afoul of the general accepted principles of international law, which are part of the law of the land.
To ask and seek the reply to the question” How valid in law is the Philippine-U.S. Military Bases Agreement?Here’s the historical background: This question came up initially in January 17, 1933, overriding Pres. Hoover’s veto, the U.S Congress approved the Hare-Hawes Cutting bill which contained the provisions on U.S. bases, namely, that the U.S. receive “upon final withdrawal of sovereignty from the Philippine Islands such land or other purposes which has heretofore, been designated for military and other purposes or as they be dismantled immediately.
Polite Rejection
“The bill required that it be accepted by the Philippine Legislature. On October 17,1933 – albeit, the Philippine legislature using very polite language, declined to accept the bill. And one of the reasons why it did so was “that the military bases provision were inconsistent with true independence.. and violate national dignity, and are subject to misunderstanding. Shorly, after Commonwealth Pres. Manuel L. Quezon sailed to the U.S., he conferred with Pres. F. Roosevelt and obtained the new independence bill.
Philippine Independence
“The new independence bill was approved. On March 24, 1934, with the provision on the military bases. Under the Tyding-McDuffe Law, the U.S agreed that it would surrender sovereignty and all rights of control over all military reservations existing in the Philippines, except for such naval reservation and refueling stations as within two years after independence (which was July 4, 1946,). The President of the U.S. and the Pres. of the Philippines agreed upon it.
Perpetuation of Neutrality
The bill also contained provisions of perpetual neutralization of the Philippines. The Tydings McDuffe law became a part of the Constitution because of Ordinance 3 of the 1935 Philippine Constitution.
World War II broke out in 1941, and the Commonwealth government was forced to evacuate to the U.S. for fear that Philippine leadership would be used by the Imperial Japanese Forces against the U.S. The Japanese Army occupied the Philippines. There were amendments made, and more important one was Resolution No. 93, authorizing he advance of Philippine Independence for on July, 4, 1946 as an earlier date.
People Power Approval
In the same resolution, however, was contained categorically that the U.S President may find appropriate to withhold or acquire certain bases and refueling stations, subject to approval of the Filipino people ( albeit, as the owners of the land).
No Actual Approval
In any case, such resolution was never submitted for approval by the Filipino people. As the two government entered into an agreement for a base agreement, none of any said agreements were submitted to the Philippine Congress for ratification. So any agreement was not valid on military bases presence. It was illegal and null in void.
Both the U.S. and Philippine , however, held that it is a pact between the two countries, also between the two peoples (the U.S.. and the Filipino people). Even without ratification – everything would not change even without said approval, which inherently was un-compelling.
No Consent of the Sovereign
Further, the Tydings-McDuffe law was part of the Philippine Constitution by virtue of Ordinance No. 3, the change in a law to enable any military bases agreement to be approved was virtually a change of the Constitution. And therefore, for it to be valid, it should be submitted to the people for approval. And the only way that can create servitude (of the bases) is by consent of the sovereign power (the owner, the Filipino people)granting the base.
2. Lately, there was a reported agreement between the Pres. Bush and Pres. G.M. Arroyo to send U.S. troops to Basilan which appears invalid under RP Constitution?
The issue became a hot controversy, backed up by the people (as shown by continuous demonstrations against presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines.) bugged the joint military exercise which had to be retarded to be able to present some sort of justification.
The Filipino intelligensia knows very well that Philippine Armed Forces has no full capacity to rid the obtaining dissidents, and that U.S. troops can perhaps temporarily help the government secure peace. What was apparently lacking was a positive appeal to the Filipino people to permit their President to secure peace through sincere thrust-worthy and practical. solution.
U.S. Troops Presence
However, it was politics that placed hurdles over the presence of U.S. troops that hampered the quest for peace. The color of opposition, however, rested on the existing and correct provision of the constitution prohibiting presence of foreign troops and bases in the Philippines. And it can not be violated nor taken for granted. The President was in a bind.
Filipinos, also believed, however, that any military presence, or bases in the country do not and can not avert attack. Instead, the administration invited it. Bases do not ensure the survival of the nation. (See: how the U.S. shamelessly and un-conditionally surrendered the USAFFE in Bataan, Corregidor, etc.)in 1942. And examine the then U.S. propaganda sold to the Filipino people – saying the so long as the American flag flies over the archipelago, no power can dislodge the U.S. military in the Philippines. It was a brazen lie and had smacks of propaganda.
We, Veterans Saw that Lie.
Such deluding proselytization was, however, proven wrong when Filipinos ( including myself as conscripted by Pres. F. Roosevelt in 194, into active military service,, inducted into the U.S. Army) witnessed the U.S. flag hurled down by the obdurate Japanese Imperial troops, and triumphantly defeated the U.S Army in the Far East (USAFFE). Likewise the U.S. abandoned the USAFFE, thus made the Filipinos suffer under the iron heels of the invaders for almost four punitive years of agony and extreme privation.
Fil-Am Veterans - Wretched Pawns
As wretched pawns in a war not inherently of Filipinos, but of the United States Filipinos were made to served the U.S. Army (USAFFE) under slave wages (one half of the dollar of what their white comrades enjoyed. (See: U.S .Supreme Court decisions on Insular cases).
Filipinos and other nations contend that bases are not instruments of defense, but of aggression. It treathens one’s sovereignty and causes destruction. It hampers national development ( spawns prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases, gambling, inordinate consumerism. And above all, violates Philippine sovereignty.
Self-serving Presence
One of the hidden reasons of why U.S. presence and bases in the Philippines is mainly to protect U.S. investment, among other military considerations. Its is mainly about dollars and cents, and disruptive imperialism. Let there be no mistake about that !
This thorny issue, therefore, elicited a review of past U.S. presence in the Philippines. While the U.S. appeared as a lily-white benefactor (through economic and military aid) pushed by U.S crafty propaganda, facts, however, showed differently backed up by the following economic survey, and I quote:
(a) “For every dollar U.S. investors sent to the Philippines ( for example in 1973, as a case in point) U.S investors borrowed U.S $3.58 for every dollar available. Of their profits US$2.00 have been remitted to the U.S., and US$1.58 have been left in the Philippines - used to repeat and continue such clever but ruinous cycle of investment, profit, repatriation and re-investment, at the expense of the Philippine stability. This, of course, is not known or told to the local media in the U.S which has been dubbed as a controlled monopoly..
(b) “The same study-review showed that (when the studies were made) US trans-nationals earned an average of 15% profit at a time when the profit rate in the developed world was 7.5%. And in the Philippine financial system, they earned a whooping 33.13% average annual profit over preceding years.
“Therefore, the consequence of this situation on the Filipino people seemed very obvious. U.S investors in the country apparently was going berserk in its foreign trade policy, and was a great danger to the Filipinos.” This too – is not told and known to the local media, or if at all, does not fit the publicity supposed to be told to the American people or to Filipinos.
3. Sending U.S.. troops to the Philippines under the guise of military exercises appears not the real motive. Pres. Bush took advantage of the unstinting and blind support of Pres. G.M. Arroyo on anti-terrorism. It could also be seen as mutual need. Americans were kidnapped and killed by the Abu Sayap dissidents which. demands Pres. Bush’s protection and deliverance of U.S. citizens became top political issue or he loses his dreams of re-election.
Presence of U.S. troops whether in such exercises or not merely helps speed up the Philippine campaign in its anti-terrorism campaign, and facilitate by donating and leaving behind military (outmoded or not, military surplus equipment after the exercise. And without the necessary logistical maintenance – these weapons of destruction find their way in the hands of the dissidents. U.S intelligence has not uncovered that as promised.
As a matter of fact, dissidents hast he latest, and uses U.S firearms, ammo and weapons of destruction sold to terrorists.
Pinoys Are Reserve Manpower
Lastly, these exercises afford a pool of U.S.. trained soldiers for Pentagon’s economic capitalism – and Filipino troops as a reserve manpower - if and when the U.S. have to go into combat in the area. That circumvents the Philippine Constitution.
Sans Constitutional Endorsement
But on top of all these, top-level decisions - foreign relations, sans sound advice, both forces waded into the critical killing field of joint maneuver disregarding citizen’s consent. And without constitutional endorsement. The Filipino political opponents were not only correct but had the backing of the Filipino people. (See: raging protests objecting to said presence of U.S. troops in the country.
4. Bases or even temporary presence left toxic chemicals have placed Filipinos at great risk and jeopardy. The U.S simply unreasonably refused to clean it up or pay for damages incurred which is downright wrong and is arrogance of power.
After the bases were abandoned, so were poisonous chemicals left behind (intentionally or not - have caused deaths and disabilities to the residents within the bases. Denial by the Defense Department was duly recorded by Philippine government and the international media as arrogance of power.
American Bastards Left Behind
Not leave out another problem dumped on the lap of the Philippine government - thousands of American GI babies – more particularly thousands of unwanted bastards abandoned by irresponsible servicemen as dead-beat fathers were also of no consequence to the U.S. government.
These living bastards are the symbol of madcap libido of U.S. servicemen tolerated by the War Department. Filipinos ask why the U.S. do not bring their own “comfort women” put to vulgar or debased uses by their own troops.
As it is, those American bastard babies are left as destitute GI babies unsupported by their deadbeat fathers and by the heedless U.S government that does not recognize its responsibility.
5. While the author of the reported critical article says, the U.S. spent large sums of tax dollars keeping the Philippine government afloat, and insurgents suppressed for several decades. Such piece, however, did not provide verity.
The obvious reason behind U.S imperial interest. in the Philippines was primarily its commercial opportunity to which American statesmanship can not be indifferent, It is just to use every means to the engagement of American trade and investments, and the show of arrogance and of force by the armed forces.
The Hidden Intention
Here’s the history why U.S. value the Philippines so much for what they harvest from their investments, etc.
“Throughout history they have hungered for land, gold and slaves and have treated colonized peoples as morally inferior, indeed, as non-persons. “ said Michael Parenti, author of the book, The Swords and the Dollar.
“But in short term the imperialists found it necessary to rationalize the exploitation in racist terms as well. And on purely racial grounds became indistinguishable from economic oppression.” said Walter Rodney, a Guyanese scholar.
Imperial Conquest Defended
As part of its imperial conquest, never in its history, American troopers suffered a fate worst than what they suffered under the retaliation by the American Indians defense of their nation In contrast, it was met with rebellion by Filipinos whose belief in self-rule no matter how crude, is obedience to God.
Published reports in U.S. publication, Argonaut, reported, to wit: Argonaut callously defended the atrocities of American troops in the Philippines, to wit:
“Let us be frank. We do not want the Filipinos. We want the Philippines.”
As the U.S. plunges into the U.S. Philippine. War, overseas imperialists ventured there. Denial of human qualities of the natives based on physical distinction has been the essence of racism Up until today. white supremacists (i.e. The National Alliance) is active in Nevada crying death to non-whites and non-Euro races.
Imperialist’s Racism
“Philippines in 1902 by exulting over enormous riches and fertility of the islands. But unfortunately they were infested by Filipinos. There many millions of them there, and it is to feared that their extinction will be slow.
“Racism has been the crudest justification for imperialism. When pondering what to do with the Philippines after having wrested it from Spain Pres. W. McKinley once decided to leave the Filipinos to themselves –“ as they were unfit for government.” “Almighty God for light and guidance – he was visited by the revelation that it would be cowardly and dishonest to give the Philippines back to Spain. And bad business to turn them over to Germany or France, or any commercial rival in Asia. There is nothing left for us to do but take them all, and to educate Filipinos and uplift and civilize, Christianize them, and by God’s grace … the very best we could by them, as our fellow men for whom God also died.”
McKinleys’ Delusion
This statement, however, puts Mckinley, a dreamer whose tongue dealt with inaccuracies and an insult to his ignorance. Little did he knew that the Filipinos at that juncture were already Christianized by Spain for several centuries. The University of Sto. Tomas was older than many U.S. universities - that produced equally competent professionals, if not better.
Illustrados like the national hero, Jose Protacio Rizal and many Filipinos were educated in Spain and Europe – who excelled Americans as professionals. They were not inferior to any pale face with an air of false superiority and self-deluding pride.
Filipino’s Sense of Equality
We all celebrate and sing to ourselves – for what I assume you also assume for yourself - because every atom in me, that belongs to me is as good as yours that which belongs to you. (Adopted)
And since then, Filipinos were not put to rest by Mckinley’s divine impulse. Instead, Filipinos valiantly resisted the U.S invasion at great cost to themselves. There was a never ending Philippine Revolution against Spain and America who were intruders.
Beveridge’s Revelation
“Then in 1990, an irresponsible imperialist spokesman, Sen. Albert Beveridge, woved together themselves for God, dollar and the sword., to wit:
“We will nor renounce our part of the mission of our race , trustees under god of the civilized world…. The Pacific is our ocean.. where we shall turn for consumers our surplus The power that rules the Pacific is the power that rules the world. And with the Philippines, that power is and will forever be the American Republic.” (See: Imperialism, Revolution and the Arms Race, by Michel Parenti)
Persistent U.S. Troop’s Presence
What fired up the issue of today’s U.S. troops presence in Basilan was the much contested suspicious agreement (under the nonchalance of the Philippine Senate) of the two countries announced by Pentagon, “that special Forces and Marines would be sent this time with the ability to engage the enemy when possible,” as reported by Greg Miller of the Los Angeles Times.
“Unlike recent deployment of Americans for training exercises with Philippine troops,” official said, “ the new commitment calls for the first time direct involvement of U.S. forces in patrols designed to capture or kill members of the Abu Sayyaf, the militant Islamic group on the jungles of Sulu province.”
Arroyo On the a Bind
In the face of this statement, Filipino officials led by the then, Vice President T. Guingona challenged both Pentagon and Pres. G.M. Arroyo to justify presence of U.S. troops in the country which was clearly prohibited by the Philippine Constitution.
Pres. Arroyo, out on a limb for justification, dispatched a deficient in legal fitness, Defense Sec. Angelo Reyes to the U.S. to explore and find the correct words in the English dictionary, and from Sec. D. Rumsfeld, likewise,to “dance around the issue” to justify the joint military exercise presumably to merely train Filipino troops, which was suspected by Filipinos as concealing the real purpose of the exercise, that ran afoul against the Philippine Constitution.
God’s Truth Always Wins
Truth always win and makes all of us free. It simply must come forward. Pres. G.M.Arroyo has been threatened by the opposition to face impeachment proceedings unless she finds justification under the constitution of the presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines contrary to the provisions of the Philippine constitution. She is the opposite of her ;late father, former Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, the tempered nationalist
History is Cruel Because it is Just
The Filipino intelligentsia, and the Muslims in the southern Philippines recall the past misadventures of U.S troops in southern Philippines in the 1890s, where thousands of Filipino Muslims were slaughtered mercilessly by American troops who sang the 1900 version of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic, which ran this way reported by Mark Twain, to wit:
“Mine eyes have seen he orgy of the launching of the sword. He is searching out the hoarding where the strangers wealth is stored; He hath loosed his faithful lightnings, and the woe and death has scored. His lust is marching on.”
Today’s Burning Myth
The burning myth today of the realities of capitalism, imperialism, intervention, militarism - by the U.S. has been left unexamined, and abated foreign policies which had suffered many defeats, not to leave out clumsy mistakes produced by a close fraternity of elites, a foreign relations council reported as under the thumb of America’s monopolists – that blindly see their handicraft as successful and consistent.
Culled Constructive Critique
It should, however, be distinguished clearly what criticism herein by this author does - is not against that of the U.S. as a nation.. Nor against the American people. It is that the American people, and its current leaders, and policies - the world deserved a lot things better., than what past and present administrations had been dishing out to them.
Word’s Power, and Polluter
It need not be the world’s number one enemy, as a self-anointed world incompetent constable. Its thirst for power like a desolating pestilence, has polluted all it touches, said Shelley.
Cash register diplomacy and needless arrogance and disrespect does not gain lifetime friends and allies. U.S ambitions may seem alright for us, Americans, albeit, except when it steps over the miseries and credulities of other disadvantaged nations. There is no amount of dollars that could buy respect .It could only buy convenience along with contempt, never lasting..
Citizen’s Duty and Right
As a matter of fact, Americans themselves had been victims of U.S. policies abroad that do not represent the true interest of the American citizen-taxpayers. To criticize those wrong policies is the duty of each citizen as a democratic right.
To raise our voices, and our fists peacefully against avid imperialism and militarism is not to deliver this nation to our enemies – but to identify them. It is to the best of intentions to reform what citizens see as government lawlessness. The citizens are still the master, and those in public service are the servants. That is what democracy is all about. But public servant have turned as the maters, making a mockery of democracy into a demorazy. Check out present government lawlessness. It has become a government of men, and not of laws.(except in the Courts).
Atrocities of Imperialism
The history of imperialism has been laden with dreadful injustices atrocities perpetuated by avid elites with temporary or borrowed popular powers from the whole diverse citizen population Our ideal concept of democracy is for a peaceful nation, and not as a military garrison, or a popular economic power backsliding towards hell as the haven of the damned.
A. Lincoln’s Concern
“No American is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent. (A. Lincoln)
Economic imperialism exported throughout the globe perpetuated by corporate America, and financial interests does not necessary have to be alongside military force or presence. Pentagon economic capitalism, and its promoted low intensity conflicts, either one is not the answer to world peace. The anti-war movement of yesterday and today raised underlying class interests. Such people’s interests are closely linked with freedom and preservation of humanity.
However, is reported by the Committee on the Restoration of the U.S. Constitution – that, and I quote: “America need not become a land of yesterday’s people. Our people are exploited and terrorized by coercion, our sons are betrayed in a “no win” military adventures abroad. Our national honor and integrity are compromised all over the world.”
Restoration of the Constitution
My contemporary, Lt. Col. Archibald Roberts {AUS. Ret.) – said. “There is indeed a positive solution to the U.N. strategy of perpetual war for perpetual peace.”
He asked ,”Are the rights,, freedom and privileges guaranteed to the citizens of the States by the U.S. Constitution preserved intact at operations of federal government who accept and carry out decisions and directives from the U.N organizations or any agency thereof?” Lt. Col A. Roberts’ book, The Most Secret Science,” is must reading for all Americans who respect the Constitution.
Truthful Answers Required
His burning questions begs truthful answers from our leaders today who are at the helm of this country’s critical era – which demand professional quality and characteristics well prepared to lead this nation under very skilled knowledge and experience.
We have a president with a low IQ of 91, same as his father (former president) also with the same IQ as 91. compared to all presidents with IQs above 120. how did thy get there in the first place?
“We will not find any justification in any of the language of the Constitution for any delay in the reforms which the mass of the American people now demand..” (F.D. Roosevelt)
Hail Columbia !
Mr. G.W. Bush has a lot of catching up with today’s reality of his bold gambit of war mongering for oil, turf and power. His hidden advisers nagging him to pursue his father’s hackneyed commitment to a one world government, and one world currency, is seen through the microscopic lens by the God-loving American people and the world that believe in live and let-live.
Someone said that, “ It will never be possible for any length of time for any group of American people, either by reason of wealth or influence or economic power, to retain any mandate, or government authority to arrogate itself the political control of America public life forever.”
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Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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