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42
A Search for
•7fBEEDOJJI~~
nation? The Filipinos have violent elec–
tions, but are qu•ck to point out they
have never assassinated a President - a
pointed reference to Amcrica's own vio–
lent history.
The nc:ws me;Jia in the Philippincs
publish more: and more: stories origi–
nating in thc Communist Bloc. The
New China News Agency was recently
quoted blaming the "widesprcad pov–
erty aod economic deterioration in the
Philippincs on 'ruthless cxploitation' by
the United Stalcs"
(Philippine
Drtily
S
tar,
August 8,
1969) .
"lzvestia said many 'progress1ve' cir–
cles in the Philippincs are complaining
about American military prescnce in
their country and raising their voices
louder and loudcr in thc defense of na–
tional independence"
(Manila Times,
November 3,
1969) .
Many people bclicve it. Who can
blame them? Bus1nessmen, pcrformers
and politicians have travc:led to Russia
and her satellite countrics in past
months, bringing back glowing rcports
of the warm welcome they rcceived and
explain how tradc with those countries
would profit the Philippines. The Com–
munist Bloc count rics showed an inter–
est in, and a williogness to do trade
with the Philippines. Sincere or not,
this is the impression they give, and for–
eign trade is what thc Philippines needs.
Communist Influence
Communist inAuence is bcing felt in
othcr arcas as wcll. In central Luzon the
Huks ( short for Hukbalahap), an out–
law group, have widespread inAuence
and power. Communist propaganda and
arms have been found in thcir hideouts,
and they have beco known to use
terrorist
tactic~
on citlzcns of some small
towns.
However, ti\c maforlty
o{
¡o;¡y,·p,·nos
are not interested in Comrnunism. They
are 90 percent Rornan Catholic and
enjoy what frceJom they have. The Fili–
pino governmcnt is democratic, based
on that of the
U.
S. Officially the gov-
Ambossodor
Collogo
Photos
Foreign capital dominotes indus–
try in the Philippines. The United
States and Jopan are two of the
biggest investors.
ernment is not favorable to Communism.
Laws against trade with communist
countries exist, but their days may
be
numbered. Prcsident Marcos said in
May
1969,
"Regtonal coopera/ion
is the
salvation for this part of the world." He
added that " ... the Philippincs is look–
ing towards Eastern Europe for possible
new friends."
"He mentioned Romanía, Yugo–
slavia, Czechoslovakia and Poland, but
indicated there was no definite plan at
present to establish diplomatic relations
with them ... 'we hope to reach a deci–
sion this year' on what further stcps
would be taken regarding the Eastcrn
European countries"
(Manila Times,
May 3,
1969).
In a televised intcrview
just befare the election he said he
would allow a Marxist{Leninist-oricnted
political party as long as it did not
advocate the violent overthrow of
government!
Japan
What about the inAuence of Japan?
In the above intcrvic.:w, Presidcnt
Marcos looked to Japan for more lead–
ership in this arca. He said that
"...
Japan
should take
more
responsi–
bility for the security of Asia, including
a
stt"onger mititary
role
1"
(MmiÍ!tl
Times,
May 3,
1969.)
During the occupation, Japan treated
Filipinos worse than any other nation
cver had before. Yet, they are looking
to Japan as the strong military leader of
Asia!
The Japanese foreign ministry is
planning to step up financia! aid to
Southeast Asían countries and a min–
isterial conference will take place soon
in Tokyo to discuss Southeast Asían
devclopment.
This should be expected. President
Nixon during his recent visit here told
thc Filipinos that the U. S. was ready to
pull back and Jet them fight their own
battles. The U. S. would probably help,
but many question the desirability of
help of the kind given to Vietnam.
U. S. aid to Asia is expected to be cut
drastically, immediately. The Philip–
pines is an important American ally but
thc traditional ties of friendship are
loosening.
Many Filipinos feel that it was be–
cause of U. S. presence here that Japan
invaded the Phi1ippines in World War
ú~
!ney expeet' Worl'd'
~~(
Ul
wúY
break out someday, and they don't want
Americans to bring Japanese wrath (or
Chinese aggression) upon them again.
It appears, one way or another, the
Philippines is going to eventually sever