Debt of Honor

The Fourth of July has been celebrated as Independence Day in the Philippines since the U.S. in 1946 chose that date to give the islands their freedom. But last week the Philippines changed its independence day to June 12 (the day the islands declared their independence from Spain in 1898). The change came at a time when the Philippines were so piqued by the U.S. that Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal canceled his scheduled June good-will visit to the U.S.

Reason for the Filipinos' anger at the U.S. was the unexpected defeat in the House of Representatives of the Philippines war damages bill. In 1946 the U.S.

had agreed to pay off claims for war damages caused by U.S. troops when they returned to the islands and drove the Japanese invaders out during World War II.

But the $400 million originally allotted by Congress was inadequate; an additional $73 million was needed to cover remaining claims.

For more than a decade, for good and bad reasons, Congress dragged its feet.

Fortnight ago, however, the $73 million appropriation was finally brought to the floor of the House. "It is a debt of honor." said one Congressman. But it was also a debt on which many Congressmen thought that the U.S. could safely renege--and they were aided by the bungling of the House leadership. So confident were Speaker John McCormack and his whips that the bill would pass that they failed to make sure of their votes. Unaware that the Administration attached much importance to the bill, many Congressmen decided to strike a money-saving pose. Said one Representative: "It was an economy vote. There aren't any Philippine votes in our districts." But there are plenty of votes in the Philippines. Immediately after the bill's defeat, tough, corruption-fighting President Macapagal canceled his trip to the U.S., silencing foes who have criticized him for being too pro-American. Chagrined by the setback. President Kennedy promised Macapagal that he would give his "wholehearted support" to get the bill reintroduced and passed. If the measure goes through. Macapagal hinted that he might be willing to change his mind once more about comina: to the U.S. Said he: "I would be inclined to consider this a restoration of good will."

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