From a practical standpoint I voted no because U S troops are no longer in Bangiga who are at war with Filipinos. The Philippines and the United States are no longer at war with each other and history has it that both countries have fought one common enemy, for one one common cause, freedom and liberty for its people. In place of the bells, let us just consider that the return of General McArthur to save the Philippines and its people from the tyrany of the Japanese Imperial Army is enough reason for Filipinos to let go of the bells.

Steve R wrote:

From a practical standpoint I voted no because U S troops are no longer in Bangiga who are at war with Filipinos. The Philippines and the United States are no longer at war with each other and history has it that both countries have fought one common enemy, for one one common cause, freedom and liberty for its people. In place of the bells, let us just consider that the return of General McArthur to save the Philippines and its people from the tyrany of the Japanese Imperial Army is enough reason for Filipinos to let go of the bells.

Mr. Steve, apparently there seem to be some confusion to your HISTORY. The return of McArthur happened during the 2nd World War. The Balangiga massacre where Gen. Smith ordered, in retaliation, the killing of 10 years olds and above, and left that part of Samar burning happened in 1901--even before the 1st World War. Besides, the bells are property of the Church and according to your own Abe Lincoln, should not be taken as war booties. By the way, the return of McArthur was not to save the Philippines, we were already "saved" before the coming of the Americans who made us their lackey. He returned to save the face of America who was about to lose to Japan until America bomb Nagasaki and Hiroshima with atomic bomb. American should not be keeping something that does not belong to it. It is a mistake to make a religious article, such as bells that are used to call for prayer, a war memorial. Imagine, american soldiers taking the bells from a belfry of a Church. It was like pillaging a Church!

Steve R wrote:

From a practical standpoint I voted no because U S troops are no longer in Bangiga who are at war with Filipinos. The Philippines and the United States are no longer at war with each other and history has it that both countries have fought one common enemy, for one one common cause, freedom and liberty for its people. In place of the bells, let us just consider that the return of General McArthur to save the Philippines and its people from the tyrany of the Japanese Imperial Army is enough reason for Filipinos to let go of the bells.

I agree with reason for the no vote. These bells are in good hands. They are well kept and protected. If they were returned from where they came from, these bells may end up in one of the metal shops either as a scrap or molten metal. Their historical value is lost.

I said NO! What's the use of having it back? Hellooo? it was part of War history! Who cares those bells. It won't elevates Filipino lives! Still Filipinos are immoral, corrupt, poor if we had it in our hands. Bells is a symbols of Catholicism and still Filipinos lives are poor! So who cares about those bells. If they wanted it they could have it long time ago! Why did Cardinal Sin didn't ask for it when he was alive? all those Roman Catholics in the Philippines! Why now? Just leave those bells to them. Who cares!

Response to Mr. Banayad: My instant and basic reason for the Balingaga Bells to remain in the U S is being practical as these 2 countries, PH & the U S have remained global democratic partners with ‘cement like relationships’ that has been tested during WW II, the Korean Conflict of the 50s, & now the ongoing VFA to further cement the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. My being Maka-Filipino is unchanged & will always be with me. But to negotiate the world barriers of peace, we have to be practical with common sense in selecting which nation should we ally with in all our struggle as a democratic country. We can be emotional to an acceptable extent as to much of anything is not healthy. Our spiritual needs & relationship with the Almighty must not be changed by the transfer & stay of Balingaga Bells in the United States.

Honestly, this country of ours has no record of preserving historical and cultural landmarks. I don't even think there is sufficient funding in the national budget to protect. preserve and restore our national treasures. Just look at the famous Rice Terraces.I begin to wonder if the Manila Metropolitan Theater is still there?

RotsenB wrote:

Honestly, this country of ours has no record of preserving historical and cultural landmarks. I don't even think there is sufficient funding in the national budget to protect. preserve and restore our national treasures. Just look at the famous Rice Terraces.I begin to wonder if the Manila Metropolitan Theater is still there?

great point RotsenB.. I agree. its a dysfunctional government, aside from corrupt governemt.

RotsenB wrote:

Honestly, this country of ours has no record of preserving historical and cultural landmarks. I don't even think there is sufficient funding in the national budget to protect. preserve and restore our national treasures. Just look at the famous Rice Terraces.I begin to wonder if the Manila Metropolitan Theater is still there?

very true and realistic points.

those bells are much safer where they are.

the fils is deteriorating past the point of no return while wealthy oligarchs work diligently to empty all of its coffers before fleeing to other lands.
the people of the fils will be left with trash piles and polluted rivers , dead reefs,, empty forests and lands raped and ravaged by mining.

its all their own doing though. when you give up your free will and responsibilities as a citizen and follow like sheep then you have no one to blame but yourself.

RotsenB wrote:

Honestly, this country of ours has no record of preserving historical and cultural landmarks. I don't even think there is sufficient funding in the national budget to protect. preserve and restore our national treasures. Just look at the famous Rice Terraces.I begin to wonder if the Manila Metropolitan Theater is still there?

i agree with this, I mean The world is advancing but we could've at least preserved what makes the country famous for. Culture is one of the reasons why we are unique from other countries. I hope they get the point.