(Fort Bonifacio) – Amid shaking hands and taking ‘selfies’ with Filipino and American soldiers, President Barack Obama honored war veterans at a gymnasium in Fort Bonifacio and affirmed that their commitment to defend the Philippines is “iron clad”.
In a short speech which lasted a little over five minutes, Obama promised that the U.S. would be there for the Philippines if ever the country was in need of help in terms of calamity or defense “because allies never stand alone”. Although this was seen by some observers as a stare at China, Obama was careful not to mention anything about it and has said that ‘territorial disputes should be resolved amicably’.
“President Aquino and I began a new chapter yesterday with the signing of a new defense pact,” the president said. “Deepening our alliance (with the Philippines) is part of our broader vision for the asia pacific.”
Obama also thanked war veterans who served in World War II, particularly in the Battle of Leyte and Bataan. He also mentioned that for the longest time, Filipino veterans were denied their dues by past U.S. governments and that it was “an injustice”. The said veterans are now being compensated for their services.
“Such heroic struggles brought out the best in the Filipino spirit,” Obama said.
The president is now honoring fallen soldiers at the American Cemetery in Taguig. He is scheduled to leave the Philippines before noon.