Trump’s ‘PH terrorist nation’ statement condemned

The leader of the United Filipino Organization is disgusted with a statement made in a recent rally by Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump wherein he called the Philippines a “terrorist nation.”

UFO president Bong Malasarte believes that if the GOP bet wins the U.S. presidential elections in November, Filipinos and other immigrants would be further marginalized because of his incendiary speeches.

He also said the real estate mogul and reality TV star would be best served if he withdraws his recent statement disparaging the Philippines because it would surely have a negative effect on his campaign, especially getting votes from Asian-Americans.

“Low presidential approval ratings are to be expected if Trump does not withdraw this statement. He has already offended numerous Filipinos abroad,” said Malasarte, who cleared that his comments doesn’t in any way represent the stand of UFO.

“[Trump’s statement was] not good at all for Filipinos. Many Filipinos will get offended by this statement. Filipinos are very good at blending in, they lay low as much as possible when in a foreign country,” he added.

According to Malasarte, for a president to be effective, he must be strict but also just. A president must also be able to look at the facts, and not rely on overgeneralization for conclusions, especially in an issue as thorny as immigration reform.

Earlier, Guam Senator Nerissa Underwood, former Interior Assistant secretary Tony Babauta, and U.S. Senator Brian Shatz expressed their disappointment with Trump’s recent rant about illegal immigration. Trump said in a recent rally in Maine that the Philippines is a “terrorist nation,” and therefore its citizens should be barred entrance to the United States.

Underwood expressed great disappointment and even asked Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo and island Republican leaders to repudiate Trump.

“Donald Trump’s latest disturbing statement and rant suggests that as President he would ban immigration from countries like the Philippines. This is reckless and does not embody our values as a country or island. The Philippines helps America fight terrorism and Filipinos contribute to our island’s (Guam’s) success. Filipinos on our island and across the country serve in uniform, in our hospitals, in our schools, and across every private and public sector—Filipinos are also beloved members of our families and communities,” he said.

“The people of Guam believe in respect and dignity, we expect to be treated equally as—it is clear that Mr. Trump and the GOP leadership are not living up to our core beliefs with statements like this. I call on Guam’s Republican delegates and Governor Calvo to repudiate Mr. Trump’s divisive and disrespectful rhetoric and un-endorse his candidacy for President,” added Underwood.

For his part, Babauta feels that what Trump did has the potential of hurting the U.S. more than helping it.

“There is clear and present danger should a Trump presidency come to a fruition and with Mr. Trump’s latest comments, he’s now extended his anti-immigrant and bigoted views to include the Asia-Pacific region and toward one of our country’s most important partners in our effort to defeat terrorism,” he said.

“I join leaders like Senator Underwood and U.S. Senator Shatz, as well as the Filipino community in their repudiation of Mr. Trump. His latest comments threatens U.S.-Philippine relations because the Philippines has been one of the most effective partners in anti-terrorism activities,” said Babauta, who is currently a candidate for Guam’s delegate seat to the U.S. Congress.
(Erwin Encinares)