Fil-ams rally for Pnoy

WASHINGTON D.C. — Filipino-Americans rallied in front of the White House on Friday (Saturday in Manila) to show support for Philippine President Benigno Aquino, abscbnNEWS.com said.

From fighting corruption to facing down China in the Spratly Islands, they say they’re 100% behind the President who was meeting with US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office.

World War 2 veteran Celestino Almeda celebrated his 95th birthday by joining the rally together with Filipino students from Georgetown University .

“I just graduated last month and I’m very excited about things that have been changing in our country in terms of fighting corruption and business initiatives,” said Irene Leoncio, president of Georgetown International Students Association.

The White House rally was organized by US Pinoys for Good Governance, the group also behind anti-China protests across America.

They bristle at critics of President Aquino but deny they’re Malacañang’s proxy in America.

“What unites all of this whether it’s Corona , Scarborough Shoal or medical portability, ano ang ikauunlad ng Pilipinas yun ang issue. Kung makakatulong sa Pilipinas, dun kami sumosuporta,” said Atty. Rodel Rodis.

New York businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis is excited by the White House meeting. She sees the fortunes of the two presidents—Aquino and Obama—as travelling parallel paths.

Fil-Ams are banking on both Presidents Aquino and Obama to push programs like medicare portability that will allow elderly Fil-Ams to receive benefits even if they retire in the Philippines.

For Fil-Ams, the stakes are clear for the leaders of the two nations they call their own.