EPCC NEWS
May 02, 2014

FILAM LEADERS CONDEMNS STERLING RACIST REMARKS, PH-US EDCA ACCORDS AS BRAZEN PUPPETRY

Los Angeles- “ No to Systemic Racism”

In a vibrant discussion at the TALAKAYAN sa FACLA last Thursday, May 1, 2014 on the latest issues of the day, Filipino-American leaders of Los Angeles were united in condemning the racist remarks of the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and agree that the NBA decision to ban him for life is justified.

They were also united that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines is disadvantageous to the Philippines and an affront to national sovereignty and dignity.

Culture of Self-Hate

Dr. Leo Pandac, in his response to a comment that African American uses the race card often like in the Sterling issue said, “ we must understand the the African American suffered hundred of years of slavery that is why they are sensitive when it comes to racist remarks.”

Arturo Garcia. One of the TALAKAYAN moderators also explained, “ the African American suffered a culture of safe-hate that was imposed upon them by the ruling American system that is why we should be more understanding when it comes to their issues.”

The majority of FilAm leaders agree with the decision of the NBA to sanction Sterling but were also united that the NBA cannot take away the ownership of the LA Clippers from Donald Sterling because it is a matter of private property and rights.

EDCA, Just An Opening to More US Impositions in PH

Also on the EDCA, Dr. Marc Caratao said, “ I am afraid that the EDCA is only the opening salvo to open up the Philippines for more disadvantageous accords especially on the economic matters.

It is just like what happened when Marcos declared martial law in 1972. Marcos
pre-empted the review of the Laurel –Langley Agreement in 1974 and opened up the Philippines to more systematic exploitation of American business.”

Historic Filipinotown Chamber of Commerce President Jorge Prado asked. “ Is it not more beneficial for the Philippines to be more open to American business and not be like Cuba or Venezuela that is very protectionist.?”
More on EDCA and the TPPA

Dr Orlando Cagampan added, “ Even with EDCA, US President Obama was non committal to the defense of the Philippines unlike what he declared in Japan and Korea. We cannot be sure that EDCA can even modernize our armed forces and if American can really defend the Philippines.”

On –line journalist Sid Balatan also pointed out, “The Americans even helped Japan and Germany, its enemies during World War II and only gave a pittance to help the Philippines. This is how low the Americans regard the Philippines.”

There were more discussions about the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement (TPPA) being pushed by US President Obama prompting Dr. Veronico Agatep to suggest more discussion on trade and economic issues with the coming ASEAN integration in 2015 with the TPPA on the next TALAKAYAN sessions.

TALAKAYAN host Larry Pelayo announced that Atty. Norberto Reyes will be the next guest at the weekly forum on Thursday, May 08, 2014.The

TALAKAYAN also thanked the food donors, this May 01, 2014 : Dr. Oly Cagampan, Larry Pelayo and Leo Pandac as well as Andy Ramacho of the Temple Community Hospital and Jorge Prado the HFCC for guesting at the weekly forum at FACLA

TALAKAYAN is a weekly forum at FACLA and the public is invited every Thursday at 10;00 AM to 1:00 PM. it is a weekly no holds barred discussions.

For more information please contact Clarita Julian or Cording Dos Pueblos at (213) 484-1527 or email at [email protected]om

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