PGMA thanks Clinton for Filipino vets benefits

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday night thanked US Secretary of State Hillary Rodman-Clinton for casting her vote in favor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides benefits for Filipino veterans who fought side by side with American soldiers in World War II.

Then a junior senator from New York, Mrs. Clinton took the time out from her campaign to clinch the Democratic Party nomination for president. She lost to another senator, Barack Obama, who went on to become the first black to win the highest office of the land.

She said at the time that “the injustice against the Filipino veterans be corrected.”

Mrs. Clinton was conferred the Order of Sikatuna, which is given to individuals, Filipinos or foreigners, who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.

The conferment came after a 30-minute meeting between President Arroyo and Clinton at the Bahay Pangarap at Presidential Security Group Compound, Malacanang Complex.

After the conferment, President Arroyo and Clinton had a dinner with the Filipino officials and the US delegation.

President Arroyo and Clinton will both attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Friday, Nov. 13.

Among the Cabinet members present during the Clinton visit to Malacañang were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza Jr., Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila and Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman.