Unrest in the Philippines

The article by Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) is laudable indeed (Op-Ed Page, Sept. 1).

The problems besetting the Philippines may be traced to the pre-Spanish era. Economic exploitation was the theme of (the 16th-Century Chinese pirate) Limahong, the Spanish Conquistadores and then the American carpetbaggers.

Gold, silver and other riches have enriched Spain--as what was done with Latin America. When Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million at the turn of the century, how did America recover this amount?

In the name of good and better government, public hygiene, education (and religion as a throw in), American business dominated the country--mining, logging, manufacturing, agri-business, insurance, you name it, the American businessman has his fingers in every pie.

Defending American interests and preserving democracy in the Far East, as what transpired during World War II, placed the Philippines in the economic morass after the war. Monetary payments in the form of war damage payments were minuscule.

Let’s admit that (former dictator) Ferdinand Marcos was inept and spewed graft and corruption in high places--and who were partly to blame?

Military aid can be of help--but economic aid seems better. I wish to propose some “economic” aid: Can we ask for an increase in the U.S. market for sugar, coconut and copper? Can we serve the U.S. Navy better by way of an increase in the quota for Filipino recruits? Can we find some job placement for our skilled, semi-skilled workers, and others like physicians, nurses, teachers, engineers, in the U.S. labor market? This ticklish question--can we ask for a little monetary increase in the rentals for U.S. military bases?

We subscribe to the democratic ideals. We can uphold this if given the opportunity.

NING COLLIN

Los Angeles