WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Philippine Internal Affairs Officer and moderator Daniel Bischof kicks off the discussion between Democrats Abroad Philippines representative John Boyd (leftmost) and Republicans Abroad Philippines chairman and president Doyle Stout (rightmost). Photo by Robbin M. Dagle.
AN OBAMA or Romney victory in the 2012 United States (US) presidential election will not affect the long-standing commitment of the US to the Philippines, assured various American government officials and party representatives in a pre-election forum organized by the US Embassy in Manila last October 24.
During the second “Kapihan sa Embahada,” the US Embassy informed the public of the upcoming vote through a discourse with the press from traditional and new media outlets. Government officials discussed topics such as foreign policy and social media, while representatives from both the Democrats and Republicans explained their respective parties’ advocacies and stands on several points of contention.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. confirmed that there will be steadfast support from the US government, saying that “US support to Asia will continue regardless of who gets elected.”
Standing by the Philippines
Representatives of both the Republicans and the Democrats echoed the same sentiments. Doyle Stout, president of the Republicans Abroad Philippines chapter of the Republican Party, stated that “the US government will be behind the Philippines 100%.”
Pertaining to territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, also known as the South China Sea, Stout also asserted that the US government will not allow China to “bully us.”
John Boyd, a member of the Democrats Abroad Philippines chapter of the Democratic Party, agreed with Stout, albeit in less forceful words, saying that the “US will stand behind the Philippines, but we will not anger China by calling them currency manipulators on the first day of office.”
This was mentioned in reference to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s promise to label the Chinese as being currency manipulators if he is elected.
Boyd also discussed other issues, promising for instance that Filipino veterans will still continue receiving compensation from the American government. He also cited the White House’s commendation of the Bangsamoro framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government.
Incumbent US President Barack Obama has repeatedly underscored the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in his administration’s foreign policy. During the third presidential debate last October 22, he stressed that “America is a Pacific power” and that it is “going to have a presence there.”
Filipinos influencing American democracy
While locally based Filipinos are less likely to feel the direct effects of the American elections, Filipinos in the US—especially those who can vote—may influence the potentially neck-and-neck race.
Thomas noted that “the Filipino is the second largest Asian American group in the US.” The ambassador said that in the swing state of Nevada alone, there are more than 100,000 registered Filipino-American voters.
“Imagine how they will influence the elections,” Thomas said. “That is tremendous potential influencing our democracy.”
In addition, Thomas talked about the four Filipino-Americans who are running in state legislative elections, namely Jennifer Ong, Christopher Mateo, Rob Bonta and Christopher Mangubat.
The embassy encouraged Filipinos to be aware and to learn more about the American electoral process.
American voters are expected to troop to the polling precincts on November 6 (November 7, Philippine time).
