WASHINGTON, D.C.—Filipino-American community leaders in the capital are both shocked and saddened by charges of sexual harassment heaped upon San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, a loyal supporter of the cause of Filipino World War II veterans while he was a member of U.S. Congress.
Grace Valera, executive director of the Migrant Heritage Commission, said that despite the allegations Filipinos should remember the good things Mayor Filner did for the community.
“Filipinos should always feel grateful to Bob Filner who has advanced much of the Filipino veterans’ cause.”
Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc., said he hopes the 70-year-old mayor makes the right decision to put his mental health first and really look out for the interest of the city of San Diego.
“We are sad and disappointed that Filner is facing all these accusations of sexual harassment. We worked with him since 1996. So we were shocked when we learned about it and we were hoping that the accusations were not true,” Lachica said in a phone interview.
Filner, a longtime friend of the Filipino veterans, was publicly accused of sexual harassment by seven women who claimed he made unwanted sexual advances that included groping and kissing, and made offensive comments.
In a press briefing, Filner apologized for the inappropriate conduct toward women without acknowledging any specific behavior.
“I apologize to the women I have offended,” he said. “…… behavior I have engaged in over many years is wrong. My failure to respect women and the intimidating conduct I engaged in at times is inexcusable,” he said.
Bing Branigin, a veterans advocate, condemns Filner’s behavior. “We are saddened by the fact he did not conduct himself to the moral high ground as a public official. It’s an inexcusable violation against women, even as we should also remember his kind dedication and hard work in helping the Filipino veterans get their benefits.”
Filner plans to enter a behavior-counseling clinic for two weeks of therapy beginning Aug. 5. But he vowed to remain in office despite widespread calls for him to resign.
Jon Melegrito, communications director, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), wishes Filner well and hopes for a speedy recovery as he pursues treatment.
“While Mayor Filner’s behavior is inexcusable, he will always be remembered for his hard work and commitment to the cause of Filipino World War II veterans. We wish him well as he seeks treatment and we pray that he will recover and continue his excellent record of public service.”
On the other hand Lachica said, “It might be easier for him to bow out gracefully and solve his emotional and metal situation.”
He continued, “We are hoping that he makes the right decision whether he can still serve, whether he has enough moral authority and political support to be able to run one of the biggest cities in the U.S. as mayor of San Diego.”
Community leader Nanette Carreon of the Philippine American Foundations for Charities Inc. agrees. “He’s behavior is not acceptable. Mayor Filner should resign immediately,” she said. “In my opinion, I feel that the entire allegation against him will not help him accomplish anything and he is not in the position to lead San Diego at this time or not at all.”
As congressman for two decades, Filner championed the plight of Filipino WWII veterans and helped them receive a $198-million lump sum benefits package.