Bush lauds RP as ‘shining example of democracy’

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush called the Philippines "a shining example of democracy,’’ and President Arroyo his "close friend’’ and described his eight-hour state visit to Manila in October 2003 as "one of the best times’’ in his foreign travels.

New Philippine ambassador to the US Willy Gaa said Bush made these remarks when he called on him at the White House on Friday to present his credentials.

"When I walked in and told him ‘My president conveys her best wishes to you,’ he remarked, ‘Oh, Gloria, she’s a close friend of mine’,’’ Gaa related to The STAR

The Philippine Embassy, in a press statement on Gaa’s presentation of credentials, said Bush noted the Philippine-US alliance during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, and the global war on terror and told the ambassador that both countries "can be very proud of our troops’ ongoing joint effort to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah on the island of Jolo.’’

Bush added that "the United States is committed to fostering a climate of peace in Mindanao,’’ and that it is "ready to provide quick-disbursing assistance once an agreement is signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).’’

Bush said that as Southeast Asia’s oldest democracy, the Philippines has "an important role in speaking out for the rights of those who do not yet enjoy the blessings of liberty.’’

"Filipinos are known the world over for their extraordinary industry and graciousness, and the two-and-a-half million Filipino-born residents of the United States are no exception,’’ Bush said.

In his remarks Gaa said Filipino soldiers who fought with US troops in World War II were a powerful symbol of the historic ties between the two countries. He also expressed "hope, that together, we can honor their great sacrifice and bring to them what they so justly deserve.’’

Filipinos who fought side by side with US troops against the invading Japanese during World War II were later stripped of their recognition as US veterans under the 1946 Rescission Act.

Gaa said his meeting with Bush was brief as he was just one of the 10 envoys who presented their credentials. With him at the presentation ceremony were his wife Linda and son Wendell.