Lost children of two nations: Coalition seeks justice for Filipino Amerasians

LOS ANGELES – A coalition of Filipino American leaders has renewed its call for justice and humanitarian support for an estimated 50,000 Filipino Amerasians – the children and descendants of US military personnel once stationed in the Philippines.

In an open letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the group addressed a “long-neglected plight” and urged the government to use provisions under the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to secure aid and recognition for the community.

The coalition includes retired US Consul General Santiago “Sonny” Busa, philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, Los Angeles civic leader Rocio Nuyda, Washington-based advocate Eric Lachica, Fathers of Filipino Amerasians coordinator USN (ret.) John Haines of Minnesota, retired USAF Msgt. Angela Simmons-Jones of FatherFounded.org in Georgia, and National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Board Chair Mariela Fletcher.

They are seeking educational, health and livelihood support for Filipino Amerasians – funding they hope could come from the recently announced US State Department $250 million humanitarian package, 10 percent of which they propose to earmark for Amerasian-focused programs.

Stronger chance of progress

In an interview with USNewsRank, retired US Consul General Santiago “Sonny” Busa said the current appeal has a stronger chance of progress than past efforts, though success remains far from guaranteed.

Busa, a retired US Army Colonel and former American diplomat, was born in Manila in 1953 to parents who fought in the World War II resistance. A graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, he served in the Army before joining the US Department of State, with postings in Honduras, Hong Kong, Washington, D.C., and Manila. While assigned to the US Embassy in the Philippines, Busa worked closely with Filipino Amerasian applicants, offering guidance and support that reflected his understanding of both American and Filipino identities.

Retired US Consul General Santiago “Sonny” Busa. FILE PHOTO

After a distinguished diplomatic career that included posts as Consul General in Kuwait and Ethiopia, Busa continued his commitment to education and mentorship as a lecturer at the Philippine Military Academy, where he has shared his insights on leadership, history and international relations with a new generation of Filipino cadets.

Now an adviser to the coalition of advocates for Filipino Amerasians, Busa bridges his military, diplomatic and academic experiences to champion equity and recognition for Amerasians – reflecting the same empathy and conviction that defined his decades of public service.

“There are reasons to think this appeal might have better odds than some previous attempts — but real success still won’t be easy,” Busa said.

New hope

He pointed to several factors giving advocates new hope, including closer defense and humanitarian cooperation between the US and the Philippines, the specificity of the proposals, and a moral framing that situates the issue within human rights and social justice.

“We’re seeing renewed cooperation under agreements like EDCA,” he explained. “And this time, the advocates are not vague — they’re presenting specific, actionable proposals. That kind of clarity makes policy work more feasible.”

The renewed appeal also benefits from a concrete funding source. Busa noted that the $250 million US humanitarian aid package could, in theory, provide immediate resources for programs without requiring new appropriations.

Barriers remain formidable

However, he acknowledged that structural and political barriers remain formidable.

Filipino Amerasians were left out of the Amerasian Acts of 1982 and 1987, which granted US immigration benefits to children of American servicemen in Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Laos.

“Filipino Amerasians were explicitly excluded from past Amerasian Acts,” Busa said, adding that such attitudes persist and that US officials remain wary of setting precedents for old claims.

Lawmakers at the time argued that Filipinos did not qualify because they were not born during a formal US war and were often linked to relationships tied to prostitution –rationales that denied them the same recognition given to other Amerasians in Asia.

The coalition’s open letter asks President Marcos to issue an executive order recognizing and protecting Filipino Amerasians under the humanitarian components of EDCA and to allocate a portion of US assistance funds for their education, health and training needs.

Humanitarian issue

The letter described the Amerasians’ plight as a continuing humanitarian issue. Many, it said, have endured “discrimination, underemployment, poverty, and social marginalization” since the closure of US military bases in 1992.

For decades, Filipino Amerasians have sought recognition and assistance comparable to what was granted to Amerasians in other Asian countries. Despite multiple appeals and media coverage, their situation has remained largely unchanged.

“It was profoundly unfair that the Philippines – the oldest US ally in Asia and home to the largest number of Amerasians – was excluded from the Amerasian Act of 1982,” the letter stated.

Busa said the issue should be seen as both a moral obligation and a humanitarian necessity for the two nations. “The Amerasians were children of relationships with US military personnel, many of whom were left without acknowledgment or support,” he said. “There’s an ethical duty to correct or mitigate the harms that came from that unequal treatment.”

“This is about dignity and fairness,” Busa said. “For the US, responding positively shows consistency in upholding human rights. For the Philippines, it demonstrates compassion and leadership. Addressing this together builds trust and goodwill.”

Diplomatic and political steps

Busa outlined possible diplomatic and political steps that could advance the cause. On the Philippine side, he said, the government could issue formal recognition, allocate resources, and create dedicated outreach programs through agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education and Department of Health.

On the US side, he said progress would require both legislative and executive action.

“Legislation in Congress will likely be needed,” Busa explained. “Advocacy from Filipino American communities, human rights groups, and bipartisan champions could push amendments to the Amerasian Act or inspire new legislation. Executive agencies could also act under existing humanitarian authorities.”

He said diplomatic dialogue through EDCA and bilateral defense and humanitarian discussions could also help establish targeted programs. “It will take advocacy in Congress, executive initiative in both countries, and sustained diplomacy,” he said. “Evidence, documentation, and media attention are crucial. Public awareness can shift political will.”

Busa also suggested the creation of joint commissions or task forces to verify lineage and identify the community’s needs, along with systems for DNA testing and transparent aid delivery.

“These interventions could be targeted and measurable,” he said. “It’s a well-defined community, and the moral return of helping them would be immense.”

Solidarity and hope

When asked what message he would share directly with Filipino Amerasians, Busa offered a statement of solidarity and hope.

“You are not forgotten. Your history, your identity, and your dignity matter,” he said. “The obstacles you’ve faced – whether social stigma, legal invisibility, or exclusion – are real and unfair. But change is possible.”

“There are people working to make sure your voices are heard. Keep organizing, keep telling your stories. You have allies, and your efforts help future generations.”

The Filipino Amerasian Coalition continues consultations with Philippine Embassy officials and community partners in Washington, D.C.

The group’s leaders said they hope President Marcos will consider executive action as EDCA negotiations continue under Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro.

For Busa, the issue represents not only a humanitarian concern but also an opportunity to reaffirm shared values.

“If we can finally address the plight of Filipino Amerasians,” he said, “it will show that our alliance is not just about bases and defense, but about shared humanity and responsibility.”

The post Lost children of two nations: Coalition seeks justice for Filipino Amerasians appeared first on USNewsRank.