Phl nearly loses US senator’s backing on Save Act

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippines nearly lost its champion in the Save the Industries Act after a US senator almost withdrew his support because a group of Filipino war veterans sued the US government.

US Senator Daniel Inouye nearly withdrew his support to the Save the Industries Act after he learned that a small group of Filipino World War II veterans decided to take the US government to court, Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said.

The Save the Industries Act has been pending before the US Congress and Senate. The Save Act is expected to revive the ailing local textile industry.

Panlilio said that for a while, the senator refused to meet with Filipino representatives.

In fact, during the time when the senator was threatening to pull out his support, Confederation of Garments Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) executive director Maritess Agoncillo told reporters that the industry is already pulling out their support for the Save Act. Agoncillo made the statement outside the office of Panlilio. However, in an interview a few days later, Agoncillo retracted her statement and said they are still looking forward to the signing of the Save Act.

Panlilio said that the Foreign Affairs secretary visited Inouye and the senator changed his mind. Panlilio said that the Filipinos suing the US government are those that do not have any records of fighting in the war. “If they have no records, nobody can vouch that they fought in the war.”

“Now we have their support again,” Panlilio said. He cleared that the Philippines did not promise the US government that they will ask the veterans to withdraw their case against the US.

The Save Act Bill, the bill touted to save the ailing Philippine garment industry, is now filed in both Houses of US Congress. The Save Act (HR 3039) was introduced by Congressman Jim McDermott and Congressman Brian P. Bilbray in June 2009 which had a total of 10 sponsors. A companion bill S. 3170 was introduced by Senators Kit Bond and Daniel Inouye. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)