FilAms hail Hillary victory: ‘She’s always been attentive to our community’

Hillary Clinton: ‘As President of the USA, she will be sympathetic to the Philippines vis-a-vis China.’

Filipino Americans for Hillary celebrated Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s win in the New York Primary Election on April 19 at the Sheraton Hotel.

“Today you proved once again, there’s no place like home,” said the former Secretary of State to the cheering crowd. “The race for the Democratic nomination is in the homestretch and victory is in sight…You’ve always had my back, and I’ve always tried to have yours. Today, we did it again – and I’m deeply, deeply grateful.”

Clinton won in the New York Primary on Tuesday, April 19. She won 58 percent of the New York Democrat votes while Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders received 42 percent. Hillary presently has 1,428 delegates committed to her to Sanders’ 1,151. She will need 2,383 delegates to garner the nomination.

Filipino Americans for Hillary New York recently re-launched at Maharlika Restaurant in New York City to galvanize support for Clinton. Chaired by Loida Nicolas Lewis, the political group has been reaching out to the community to get out the vote for Hillary.

“Hillary Clinton has always been attentive to the FilAm community,” said Lewis. “In 1999, she was the first and so far the only First Lady of the White House who accepted to be the keynote speaker of NAFFA3rd Empowerment Conference. As Secretary of State, she agreed to our suggestion in 2010 to send U.S. observers to the Philippine elections. She signed the Omnibus Bill in 2009 which gave lump sum payments to Filipino Veterans of WWII. As President of the USA, she will be sympathetic to the Philippines vis-a-vis China.”

Clinton pointed out, “New Yorkers speak every language, worship every faith, and hail from every continent. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, not a weakness.”

Jason Tengco, director of the Asian American Pacific Islander Outreach of the Hillary Campaign, cited that the New York Primary victory was a testament of the outreach of the campaign, especially to the Asian American, Filipino American community. “I am proud to be a Filipino American and to serving as Outreach Director. I understand the needs of the community – just like Hillary does.”

Representatives of the FilAms for Hillary NY attended the Primary Night Celebration. “I was there last night to witness this historical event and was blown away by the high energy. It was sooo contagious!” said events designer Jerry Sibal.

Community advocate Angie Cruz reiterated that Clinton is the best qualified candidate to serve as President of the United States because of her experience. Her engagement with Filipinos has generated the admiration and affection of the community, she said.

“Hillary has a proven track record of working across the aisle, and her experience as junior senator of NY and Secretary of State has enhanced her understanding of the unique experiences of all Americans, particularly Filipino Americans and other communities of color,” said Kaleo Nadal of the Filipino American Historical Society.

Kaleo also spoke at the FilAms for Hillary NY launch along with restaurant owner Nicole Ponseca and Broadway actor Jose Llana.

“Last night, Filipino American Democrats stood with Hillary because throughout her decades-long career in public service, she has stood with us. We have chosen as the next President of the United States a woman who shares our values of family, strong communities, and taking care of one another,” said Aries Dela Cruz, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of NY. “I know that if we continue to stand with her to defeat the anti-immigrant Republican nominee in November, as President she will ensure that our community, the second largest Asian group in the United States will be a visible presence in the White House. Our choice in November is clear: We need Hillary’s leadership for America.”

“There’s really no place like home! New York will never abandon her and neither will she!” said real estate professional Edwin Josue, “We are with her all the way to the White House!”

There will be ongoing activities to reach out and support for Hillary throughout the general election, said Marilyn Abalos, New York lead organizer. Phone banks and other events to help get out the votes for neighbor states upcoming primaries, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Is. on April 26th. For more info about FilAms for Hillary NY, contact nyfilams4hillary@gmail.com

FilAms attend Clinton’s victory party at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan