Bitterly Disparate: the Philippines-US Equation
For more than a century, the relation that existed between the Philippines and the USA cannot be considered as fairly mutually fulfilling. Those more than one hundred years of friendship and relationship in all aspects of “mutual interest” cannot be considered perfectly fair.
I have high respect for Americans. One of my aunts was married to an American officer. My cousins, three of them, doctors of medicine of high caliber are US citizens. Many decades ago, my nephews were also American citizens.
I am especially grateful that the Americans, when they have brought the gospel or the Bible in my homeland, made the Philippines get the reputation of being the "only Christian country in Asia." Of course, the Catholic Church was the first to preach Christianity in the Philippines but a quick look of the history of Catholicism in the Philippines easily proves that what they brought in my country is fake Christianity.
The coming of the Americans moderated some doctrines of Christianity, not taught by the Catholic Church. Even so, most religions that came from America are full of doctrinal errors. My basis to say that American Christianity is also doubtful and erroneous is that true Christianity must embrace all the teachings of Christ.
MATTHEW 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
In these pronouncements, "all things whatsoever I have commanded you," it can easily be proven that American Christianity is wanting and doubtful.
There are many things I like among Americans; their technology, their inventions, movies, chocolates, and canned fruits. I have maintained such admiration and respect for the American people until I became a senior citizen. At age 59 I was granted a US Visa to visit our brethren in the US and conduct some Bible Expositions among some American friends and communities. Thank God, local churches were established in the US afterwards.
When I had to come back to the US to conduct more Bible Expositions at the invitation of members, I was denied renewal of my visa. When a consul in the US Embassy in Singapore arrogantly and sarcastically answered my question, "Why am I denied, Ma’am?" "It's not our obligation to divulge to you the reason," was the answer.
There were at least five Filipinos also, some of them crying, who were denied by the same consul. I later found out that I was denied a visa because of the doing of a member of the Iglesia ni Manalo who worked at the Department of Justice. Allegedly, I must be put in the Watch list of the Interpol because of a rape case filed against me by the Iglesia ni Manalo. When my lawyer, Attorney Frank Chavez, a former solicitor general of the Philippines, questioned the issuance of the watch list over against me, the same official balked from imposing the order placing me in the Watch list of the Interpol, but damage had already been done! Although the DOJ withdrew the order, it was already flashed to all countries.
I have forgotten that incident and remembered it only when President Rodrigo Duterte said in China, in a speech, that he was denied a visa to the US. Because of that bitter experience with an American consul, I did not want anymore to apply for a US visa, much like President Duterte, who said he will never be returning to the US. Not while he is President.
“I will not go to America anymore. We will just be insulted there,” Duterte said. “So time to say goodbye my friend.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/philippine-president-duterte-us-separation_us_58089881e4b0180a36e9646f
At this point I want to say, it is unfair that while Americans can come to the Philippines without visa, it is not so with the Filipinos who must provide theirs. Pity these Filipinos who can hardly produce 7,000 pesos for a visa queuing at the American Embassy in Manila waiting for 5 - 6 hours to be called for interview, paying the required fee, and ending up being denied - most of the time sarcastically.
If we are really friends with America, as President Duterte asked, why not welcome us as we welcome them? The one hundred years of friendship was not able to achieve this. What is the problem really? Maybe one way or the other, a party is protecting its own interest, and in this supposed equation, America is the greater.
The Gospel says, discrimination is an unchristian act.
JAMES 2:1-4
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Isn’t President Duterte right? I do not want to say "yes," as I do not want to say "no."
To my critics, who disagree with this blog, I just want to tell you, you do not know Brother Eli.
wow *O*
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with Bro. Eli! I admire his intelligence; hence, he always able to exposed the truth without fear. I like how he doesn't sugar coat things.
DeleteTEMOS QUE NOS UNIRMOS! POIS A UNIÃO FAZ A FORÇA!!! GRAÇAS A DEUS
ReplyDeleteIt is really unfair to the Filipinos who exert their efforts just to go to the America, and then they are being denied for some reason. As one of the verses stated in this blog, "The gospel says, discrimination is an unchristian act. ".
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God for another interesting blog that posted by Mr. Controversy! More power, Mr. Controversy!
I agree with Bro. Eli and even to Pres. Duterte, if we are really friends with US why they not allowing us filipinos to enter to their land without visa. Other countries have that benefits, but why us that they say their allies for a long time not giving us that benefit too.
ReplyDelete#Discriminatinisuncristian
ReplyDelete#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
ReplyDeletevery nice explanation.. Biblical too.
I would say I symphatize to the recent decision of the President... I hope most Pinoys would realize someday that it is not only the US who truly cares for the welfare of the Pinoys...if they really did.
ReplyDeleteIt was just like when we were kids. I have a friend who keeps on saying that I am his best friend. He visits our house most of the time, spend the whole day there and even eats lunch and dinner. He brings his expensive toys but I was never allowed to touch them. I was never allowed to be in his house. When I tried to visit him, I was made to wait at their closed gate just to talk to him. A child like I was back then would clearly see the unfairness of this kind of a relationship.
ReplyDeleteI think it is fair that Americans also apply Visa to regulate their activities here in Philippines. If they enter as tourist, it means they cannot work or establish business without permit. They should not overstay and abuse Filipino's hospitality. If they apply want to work, they should apply working or business visa and proper taxes must be imposed.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful blog
ReplyDeleteIt is logical to say; What they brought to our country is fake cristianity with countless doctrinal errors..Tatay Digong is in the position to let american people realized the gravity of their deeds.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many beautiful spots to visit in the philippines and if they have a lots of money then they missed half of their lives not visiting our country...unfortunately, they must experience as well they way we felt being denied of applying fir visa..to summed up,,,may I say "change is happening" now.
Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteAmen! To God be the Glory!
ReplyDeleteThat what "friends" are for. Unilateral friendship.
ReplyDeleteIt's time to stand on our own and end this discrimination fiasco. God will help us Filipinos!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Mr. Controversy. Once again, you've made a very interesting point. Great blog!!!
ReplyDeleteGaling...
ReplyDeleteEven America is greater they need the Philippines...
God Bless our President...
#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
Biblical and enlightening. It comes to my mind not to criticize the leader of the Philippine Archipelago elected by more than 16 million voters who believe in his capacity.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to GOD for the wisdom contained in this blog.
I agree Bro. Eli, To God be the glory.
ReplyDeleteThe US has myriad of vested interests to protect..The pivot in Asia is not merely to ensure freedom of navigation within South China sea lanes but basically to contain a rising china, thus the EDCA,the supposed joint sea lane patrols with PH, the Balikatan exercise etc.
ReplyDeleteHowever, much as we want US to show us that indeed they will be with PH when push comes to shove, this did not happen when in 2012 at the Panatag Shoal, the US did not give any hint of helping PH against the Chinese, rather, the US could have told PH to back off against our standoff with Chinese Coastguard, thus Panatag is now with the Chinese.
Some will argue that US and Ph mutual Defense Treaty does not cover crops of rocks, but common, on those times where is the supposed iron clad committment US Pres. Obama say's for PH?
Indeed President Putin is right, US will lose its allies.. yet even if PH per PRRD pursue an independent foreign policy, these US guys will still be our friends and benefactor.
In the end it will boil down to one thing, each country's interests to protect and pursue..
The US canards of attacking Iraq allegedly due to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which later on turn to be a dud and the Evergreen Hotel bombing incident in Davao wherein then Davao mayor DUTERTE was not informed when US spirited the american suspect Michael Meiring, and yes the US Visa denial, all these are heap of garbage stack against the US which could be reasons why PRRD is pivoting towards China and Russia..Thus, how about the aids, the frigates? well PRDD argues, your frigates strip with sensors, radar and missiles..are just floating ships good for live exercise for the enemy..How the US can extend to PH frigates without armaments baffled me.
It seems the US do not trust us to handle these armaments, yet how come these are not so with Israel and even non treaty ally such as Vietnam and Malaysia? Compare with other US allies such as Israel which receives billion of dollars in US assistance, PH received pittance from US AIDS.
Maybe the US would like us to appear that without them, we cannot stand on our own. Thus since our frigates have no missiles we have to depend on them.
Now the US has meet its match in PRRD. You would like us to be an ally then start to treat us NOW..
my personal view is that US treatment toward the Philippines is unfair in many things
ReplyDeleteThe US has been taking advantage of the meek nature of Filipinos. The issue here is that the U.S. does not treat Filipinos as friends, contrary to what they preach in front of media that they value their friendship with our country. Some sentiments of President Duterte have some sort of alignment with Mr. Controversy's. When I was listening to PPRD talk in front of the Filipino Community in China, at the part where he was airing his frustrations about the difficulty of Filipinos in entering the US but citizens of that country come and go to the Philippines even without visas, I immediately thought of the experience of Bro. Eli being denied a US Visa. These two leaders seem to be having similar experiences. I'd like to agree to PRRD's statement, "bakit di natin tablahin?..."
ReplyDeleteFair enough to be called friend if we allowed same privilege as the american do in our country.
ReplyDeleteLamentablemente USA,como lo dicen sus siglas Usa a sus "amigos-aliados", los cuales no reciben un trato igualitario, como debe ser entre amigos, sino como inferiores y con discriminación racial, económica y social! Debemos exigir respeto, sobretodo de quienes nos exigen respeto!
ReplyDeleteThe amount of truth that is being revealed at the moment is truly overwhelming. It is both exciting and scary at the same time. I do not know what the future will unfold but I am faithful that all these things will work for the good of those who love God. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteEQUALITY/FAIRNESS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.....NICE BLOG...
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God for this very informative blog.!
ReplyDeleteAmen bro. Eli!!! Very well said. Thanks be to God for someone like you!
ReplyDeleteIt is true that many people does not know who is the real Bro. Eli. That's why what they are saying about Bro. Eli is the opposite reality of his person, but if they will deeply continue reading his blog and listen to his teachings they will come to know that he is really man of God. What he is teachings is incomparable to others. USA is a country who only preserves its own interest advantageous for them.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad today that president Du30 prefers China than United States. I don't like this decision. This is immaturity and personal. This view doesn't reflect the majority of the Filipino people. At this point in time, the Filipinos is placed vulnerably to hardship and dangers to its security. What I know about Chinese today is that most shabu laboratories are operated by them and their government destroyed the coral reefs at kalayaan islands to build their garrisons on the sea. Think of the intention of China! That move against U.S. is foolish and untimely.
ReplyDeleteMind you brother that yes its undeniably, some Chinese entity proliferated the prohibited drugs in our country, but does not mean the Chinese government is liable/culprit. well in fact lot of Filipinos were hung up in china due to narcotic offenses.
DeleteThey destroyed our coral reef and established their haven out there....(something we missed to ponder beyond the surface of the water!!!).
The friendship (if its an appropriate term) and relationship in all aspects of “mutual interest” cannot be considered perfectly fair.
ReplyDeleteNow I know...thanks be to God!
ReplyDelete#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is the Article!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thanks be to GOD for this article.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God, Bro. Eli for another eye-opener.
ReplyDeletevery enlightening!
ReplyDeleteThinking about it, the logic click's
ReplyDeletePhilippines were never a threat to US, then why stricken the interview or application for VISA.
very well said!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree, brother. God bless and good health to you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute agree, brother. God bless and good health to you.
ReplyDeletevery well said,US not fair for being an allied, especially to the phils.
ReplyDeleteVery well said!Ihope this blog may open the eyes of those who refuse to see the truth.Besides,the President was right in expressing his sentiment against our so-called friend - America.I do not bear grudge or have any ill-feelings against American people because they good. What is unfair is the unequal treament,I never know if it is due to discrimination or any other reasons behind it.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God bro. Eli, the U.S. is not very friendly all the while.
ReplyDeleteThey just think about their power and let small nations like us to cower in fear, but now is the time... GOOD "bye" indeed.
Discrimination is un Christian acts....
ReplyDeleteEnter your comment...it's unfair po talaga, dapat tratuhin nila tayo gaya ng pagtrato natin sa kanila
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteUnited States is not fair in treating us if they consider us an ally. Allowing other countries without visa to enter their state and some of them in asia. They are very strict to us when granting a visa. Always suspecting us to go on tnt in their country.
ReplyDeleteOo nga po, pag sila pwedeng walang visa pagpunta sa Pinas, pero mga Pinoy need pa po ng visa pagpunta sa U.S. Unfair man din yon, porke po ba mayaman sila. Sa totoo lang po mayaman naman tayo, corrupt lang kasi ang gobyerno noon. Mayaman kaya tayo sa natural resources. Marami nga po naghuhukay ng mina. Tapos ang lupa po natin ang dali kaya taniman ng mga gulay, prutas at grains. Ang ganda pa po ng clima, laging may araw. Tapos yung dagat natin mayaman din sa mga lamang dagat. At meron din naman po tayong oil and natural gas deposits. Hindí naman tayo magugutom kung hihiwalay po tayo kay uncle Sam, sa totoo lang mas kailangan ng U.S.ang Pinas kaysa ang Pinas mangailangan sa U.S., dahil sa strategic location ng Pinas sa Asia Pacific. Nawili kasi sila sa mga nagdaang Presidente. Ngayon ang Pangulong Duterte hindi po nila kaya hawakan sa leeg. Pag napuksa po ang illegal drugs, graft and corruption, and other crimes, uunlad lalo ang Pinas for sure. We will soar high like an eagle. Eh nasa atin pa po ang tunay na pananampalataya. Kapag nasa ating side ang tunay na Dios na buhay eh hindi po talaga natin kailangan ang America para tayo mabuhay. Sa Dios ang lahat ng kapurihan. Salamat po sa Dios at sa Panginoong Jesucristo.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Bro. Eli.To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thanks be unto God for another beautiful blog Bro.Eli.
ReplyDelete#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brother Eli...
ReplyDeleteAs a Filipino i value friendship, justice and fairness if the american government consider Philippines as there ally they must learn to be fair and just in all aspect.I think president DU30 made a good decision to a line with China and also Russia. Mr.Putin is a favorite of our president maybe bec.of his ideology my i quote mr.Putin in his interview he said. " As Russian person we have a different mission it is something that stretches beyond the horizon It is something spiritual, it is something to do with the maker, and these are two different philosophies of life this is why it’s difficult for us to understand one another but it is Possible. Isn’t this why international law exist o help in that field". for the American it time to say goodbye thanks Bro.Eli TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is true indeed... :-)
ReplyDelete"A drop of ink may make a million ink"
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God for having an Author like you, maybe President Duterte will arise to fight for our right as being a human.
Salamat sa Dios!
ReplyDeleteAll men created equal regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, family background, etc. because they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
ReplyDeleteI think is self serving to hate the US because you are denied a Visa.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you bro Eli! Haters are gonna hate, just like what Duterte said: "people judge best when they condemn". Woe to hypocrites!
ReplyDeleteOnly by pride cometh contention.Proverbs 13:10
ReplyDelete#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
I rest my case for this US-Philippines discrimination issue, now i am hesitate to go there for job purpose by next year.
ReplyDeletewill not go to America anymore. We will just be insulted there,” Duterte said. “So time to say goodbye my friend.”
ReplyDeleteVery well said from my preacher.:-)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely truth... they (Americans) has no respect for the 100 years of friendship.. they are only showing their great power to the Philippines from not giving a thing which we are gave to them for free..
ReplyDeleteHighlights; For the Critics out there, yeah Definitely, you don't know or even have a ref idea who really Brother Eli is...
truly indeed..americans definitely considers themselves higher than any other races
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
ReplyDeleteMost of us (accepted or not) have not thought this inequality for so long. Yes, it is true that America is a great country, but to treat unfairly other countries like us is injustice. Our high respect to them maybe, I said maybe, blinded us to see these inequalities. As I read the blog, I feel sad and at the same time proud for learning this truth. And hoping that the treatment to the Filipinos of America will not be the same way again.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God Bro. Eli for sharing this blog. I, personally, admire americans for many things but those admirations will not blind me from discerning the truth especially the truth written in the Bible.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God for every blog of Bro. Eli. It shows truth every time.
ReplyDeleteI go with Bro. Eli. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteIt was really a one sided relationship that the US and PH has. They just twisted the truth showing that we were allied to them, until the president bluntly showed it to us but this nation is lucky to have two tough leaders. The Spiritual Leader and political leader. May God guide them both.
ReplyDeleteno to discrimination!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the Philippines could have been colonized like Puerto Rico and Hawaii but chose not to anymore because they were already able to colonize our culture, tradition and civilization by being westernized as at third world country? America realized that there is no need to help us because it was easy for them to conquer and dominate us because they find us gullible and submissive. Truly, Gen.McArthur just happen to have saved us from Japan’s invasion but such was not the original purpose. Japan just happen to have landed first but the intentions are maliciously identical. America didn’t have to help us if they can enslave us to help them. The seemingly mutual trade between the Philippines and America is but an unequitable EQUATION. A fraction that was never meant to our advantage.
ReplyDeleteWho would forget the volcanic eruptions of MT.Pinatubo which coincided with the closure of the US Base where it was situated? The assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino and the oust of Marcos from power? The Edsa Revolution ? You may not see the conspiracy but America played its role to have made it all happen. Do you actually think that we have independence? America has been playing favorites for decades and never have we been a priority as much as we prioritize them. They only recognize Pacquiao because he has helped generate hundreds of millions in the boxing industry. That’s their kind of equation. What a great disparity. Duterte is the EQUALIZER. IT’s high time we have a leader who is not a puppet of any religion and any country in this world.
I see this in Bro.ELI’s perspective. I know there is a wisdom behind it and I believe in his beliefs. I support this blog a hundred percent.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Thank you again for this another sensible new blog post. I hope that whatever the President of the Philippines is taking us to will work out well, for the benefit of the Filipino people that works out really hard just to overcome poverty. And also, for the different races too. TBTG.
ReplyDeletengayon lang nagkaroon ng president na nakaunawa na US ay hindi fair sa mga pilipino
ReplyDeleteGusto ng US, lagi sila lamang.
ReplyDeleteLucky to serve the first comment hehe. Very clear Mr. Controversy, US and Phils friendship kuno is an unequal equation... hehe
ReplyDeleteProud to be a filipino! thanks bro eli for this blog, God bless you always!
ReplyDeleteI concur, "The one hundred years of friendship was not able to achieve this". Only 3 Asian countries can visit USA without Visas, Brunei, Singapore and South Korea. I suspect most Filipinos (not all) lacks discipline, others wants to find jobs and will not return, would end up to TNT(Tago Ng Tago) which Americans are avoiding to have illegal alliens. The countries mentioned are less corrupt than ours. We need to adopt and embrace the changes that our current president has promised, let us do our share, because Change is Coming!
ReplyDeleteTama ang Pangulo na mga hipokrito ang mga to. Ang galing pang mag advise tungkol sa EJK pero alam ng lahat na siLa ang waLang awang pumapatay sa mga inosenteng tao sa mga bansang sinasakop niLa. So ironic! Hypocrisy at its finest.
ReplyDelete#DiscriminationIsUnchristian
They just allude to collateral damage.....to pacify the international human rights, oh men!!!
DeleteAmen! Thanks be to God
ReplyDeleteIn my comment,In every filipino's has american california dreamer or a lavish life? but you are become slave in now in
ReplyDeletemodern time! but for me I content of my job as being free for
a simple life praise God! Thanks be to God!
Californiacation!!
DeleteThis blog will bring ease to your thoughts. All the glory and honor be unto God!
ReplyDeleteMakeitRead...thanks be to God for another great blog from our very own Mr.ConEx
ReplyDeleteThanks be to GOD! Very informative and nice to hear of this article of Mr. Controversy Blog. To GOD be the Glory!
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very informative and has also a Biblical explanation. Thanks Be To God for this blog :)
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest miracle (or is it really) in the catholic church was the Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Portugal Fatima (A Civil Municipality of Ourem) on May 13, 1917, to three children (Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco)--- for 6 consecutive months on the 13th day of every month…only to tell them to RECITE THE ROSARY EVERY DAY TO OBTAIN THE PEACE FOR THE WORLD and the end of the war”. The Virgin Mary also told the kids that Jesus wants her mother to be known and loved and that GOD wishes the kids to remain on earth for some time so they would be used to establish a devotion to her immaculate heart. They have also been Told that Russia will be converted and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world. Incidentally, after the February revolution of 1917 in Russia, the ties between Portugal and Russia were severed. Analytically speaking, the Virgin Mary appeared to these three children in Portugal to warn Russia that GOD is angry so they have to convert. What does that tell you?
ReplyDeleteThe catholic faith and doctrine have always promoted the devotion to the Virgin Mary. Firstly, after Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus (in the flesh) … Joseph and herself have had kids. The catholic didn’t seem to know that obviously. Also, there is no rosary in the bible. So whoever appeared in Portugal Fatima is a big question mark. In one of Lucia’s conversation with the Blessed Virgin Mary, she asked her about two girls aged 16 and 20 who died recently (at that time) if they were in heaven. And the reply was, the one age 16 is in heaven the one age 20 is not. Which of course is contrary to biblical truth. A supposedly mother of Christ, telling a child that someone is already in heaven.
Firstly, that was such a coincidence. An apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Portugal who spoke of Russia conversion to avoid a war….and a testimony that someone is already in heaven while the other that died is in hell. Unless of course by saying “the other is not in heaven” implies that she could be in Purgatory. Ironically, the two kids died after two years due to pneumonia. Something I’m sure does not require too much of a miracle to prevent.
So for All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s day to even be recognized is already out of the question. The catholic church must be the most deceitful church in the world. There is just nothing about it that is even worth believing.
Thanks be to GOD for a BRO.ELI that exposes these fictions.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
The Americans are visa free in travelling to the Philippines on gesture of our friendship with them. However, when we Filipinos visit USA, we are not visa free indicating that our friendship with them is not fairly and honestly mutual up to the present time.
ReplyDelete"Discrimination is an unchristian act." Thanks be to God for this blog!
ReplyDelete