Senator Ted Cruz apologizes for Bataan Filibuster

By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

October 1, 2013

It took one sentence to cause outrage, but one U-S Senator has said sorry for a controversial comparison he made during his 21 hour 19 minute Filibuster action last week.

After comparing his speech to the Bataan death march, Senator Ted Cruz faced backlash from the Filipino American community. He met with Filipino World War two veterans on Monday to personally apologize to them. “I apologize for causing offense, I should not said what I have said,” he told the small group of veterans.

Cruz explained to the group of Filipino veterans that he was trying to thank the senate staff that had to stay with him as he delivered the nearly day long speech intended to defund Obama care.

“I was saying they endured a long period of suffering, not of their choosing but I understand that caused offense,” he explained.

Veterans leaders have asked Cruz to fully apologize by supporting several pieces of legislation that look to give Filipino World War Two Veterans and their spouses benefits, pensions, and preference in sponsoring Philippine based children. “We’re certainly happy to take look at the pieces of legislation and to analyze them on their own merits,” he said.

The Cuban-American Cruz has not supported any FilVets issues since being elected last year. He will meet with the Philippines Ambassador to the US Joe Cuisia later this week.


For more information, you may contact Steve Angeles at steve_angeles@abs-cbn.com