Justice for Filipino Amerasians 80 years later

Our purpose

As we mark the 80th anniversary of formal U.S.–Philippine relations (1946–2026), we are calling upon both nations to confront a long-overlooked humanitarian responsibility: justice for Filipino Amerasians and their descendants.

To this end, we have formed the Coalition for Filipino Amerasians, uniting organizations including the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA), Fathers Founded Inc., U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance, and committed partners of Filipino Amerasians in the Philippines. Together, we are requesting a $25-million allocation from the recently announced $250 million U.S. humanitarian and health assistance package, specifically designated for programs serving Filipino Amerasians.

This funding will provide healthcare, mental health services, education, livelihood training, and social reintegration programs for a population that has endured decades of poverty, stigma, and neglect.

This is not charity. This is moral accountability.

Why this matters

For generations, Filipino Amerasians—children born to U.S. servicemen and Filipino mothers but left behind—have lived on the margins of society. Many grew up without legal recognition, paternal support, or access to basic services. They endured discrimination, chronic poverty, limited education, and deep emotional trauma.

Their suffering remains one of the least addressed humanitarian legacies of America’s overseas military presence and a silent chapter in the shared history of our two nations.

Government support and momentum

I recently met with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who expressed her strong support for this initiative and committed to briefing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Upon learning of the effort, she affirmed the importance of addressing this long-standing injustice.

Earlier, while lobbying on Capitol Hill, a Senior Staff of the Senate Foreign Relations committee asked us, “What does the Philippine government say about your campaign?”

Today, the coalition can confidently respond: “The Philippine government supports this initiative.”

This endorsement transforms our effort into a true bilateral humanitarian mission, anchored in cooperation, dignity, and shared responsibility.

As Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for a possible visit to Manila in March 2026—where he is expected to formalize the $250 million humanitarian aid agreement with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro—we urge Filipinos everywhere, both in the homeland and the diaspora, to rally behind this cause.

After 80 years, justice is due.

The historical context

To understand why this responsibility exists, we must revisit history.

In 1898, the United States decisively defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, ending over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million ($780 million today) ushering in a new era of American governance.

Although General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, the Philippine-American War of  1902 extinguished that dream. From then until July 4, 1946, the Philippines remained under American colonial administration.

This long period of U.S. military presence resulted in the birth of thousands of Filipino children fathered by American servicemen many of whom were never acknowledged or supported.

Recognizing this reality, U.S. Governor-General Leonard Wood established the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) in 1921 to provide education and assistance to these children. Despite limited funding and reliance on private donations, PAGA has served more than 5,000 Filipino Amerasians during its 105 years of continuous service.

Yet countless others remained unreached.

A moral reckoning

Today, many Filipino Amerasians and their descendants—now reaching the fourth generation—continue to suffer the long-term effects of abandonment and neglect.

At this historic 80-year milestone of U.S.-Philippine partnership, we are presented with a rare opportunity to transform remembrance into responsibility, and gratitude into justice. We ask leaders, institutions, and citizens of conscience to stand with us.

Let this anniversary not merely commemorate diplomatic ties, but heal a wound that history left behind. After 80 years, justice must no longer be delayed.

For our Filipino Amerasian brothers and sisters.
For their children.
For generations yet unborn.

Amen.