MANILA, 19 October 2003 — It took an US President George Bush Jr. to tell Filipinos to be proud of themselves for being part of the oldest democracy in Asia.

Reacting to Bush’s speech before a joint legislative session yesterday, Sen. Edgardo Angara said, “it lifts the spirits of the Filipino to hear the leader of the mightiest nation say nice things about the Filipinos.”

Angara, president of the opposition Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), called the speech a “morale booster.”

Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, the former military officer involved in several failed power grabs, said the speech was a “good pep talk.”

At the same time, Honasan said “let’s wait for the substantial commitments” on the issues mentioned by Bush, referring to the assistance promised for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon was happiest about the speech because he expected it to boost Philippine tourism. “It’s a great day!” he enthused. “The visit of Bush shows how important we are” pointing out that it was the first state visit of an American president since Dwight David Eisenhower in 1960.

Administration Sen. Robert Barbers called Bush’ speech “very inspiring and very encouraging” because Bush praised our involvement in the fight against terrorism.

Barbers was particularly pleased that Bush chose to mention the Americans’ continued involvement in the Philippines’ fight against the Abu Sayyaf.

Rep. Prospero Pichay, chairman of the Defense Committee of the House of Representatives, said this was perhaps because most investments and tourists to the Southern Philippines have been turned off by the Abu Sayyaf problem there.

On Bush’s statement that the Abu Sayyaf “is a serious threat,” President Gloria Arroyo added: “We must close ranks and stand firm against terrorist threats, however grave,”

During their bilateral talks, Arroyo expressed her appreciation for the support extended by Bush to the Veteran Equity bills pending in both houses of the US Congress, designed to enhance benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II residing in the United States.

Both presidents noted that the American and Filipino fighting men of World War II remain a strong bond between the peoples of both nations. Bush then announced the doubling of US funding for medical equipment at the Veterans Medical Center in Quezon City. President Bush highlighted his respect for the impressive contributions of Filipino-Americans to American social, cultural, and economic life.

Bush was given full military honors in Malaca?ang Palace, where he also held bilateral talks with Arroyo and other government officials from the Philippines and the US.

Bush attended a state dinner in Malaca?ang before leaving for Bangkok.