Obama OKs new funds for WW2 vets
SAN FRANCISCO - President Obama signed the Supplemental Appropriations Act which includes the $67 million dollars in additional funding for the Filipino veterans’ lump sum claims.
Filipino veterans said they welcome the news, saying the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should now process all claims immediately and approve claims that were previously denied.
The veterans met with V.A Manila Regional Director Jon Skelly in San Francisco, who announced that 90% of the claims have been processed.
“The US government needs to fulfill its duties because this involves justice, justice for everybody,” said Honorio Rivera, whose mother Lourdes Poblete received a denial letter following her lump sum claim.
The 86-year-old Poblete has not received her benefits. “Sometimes I lose hope. But I always think, as long as there is life, there’s hope.”
Fight for Full Equity Continues
The Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) said even with the lump sum benefits, the fight for full equity should continue. Full equity would provide Filipino veterans the same monthly pensions, benefits and recognition that their American counterparts receive.
JFAV officials said they had a disappointing meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s staff.
Pelosi declined to sponsor an equity bill that Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-D) pledged to introduce in January.
“She’s trying to stay neutral,” said Ago Pedalizo, coordinator for JFAV. “But when we’re talking about what’s right and what’ wrong, what’s just and what’s not, do you stay neutral?”
Pedalizo said Pelosi’s support is crucial in getting the needed 218 votes in the House and 60 votes in the Senate to pass the monthly pensions for the Filipino veterans, their widows and heirs.
Congress last year approved a lump sum payment for the Filipino World War 2 veterans as a one-time benefit. The law says veterans must abandon all future claims of additional benefits. Widows and children of veterans who have died are not entitled to any benefits.
The aging veterans say the fight for full equity is more than just money. It’s also a battle for equal recognition.
“The government should have a heart. Give us what is due us,” said veteran Felino Punsalan.
Flor de los Santos, a widow of a Filipino veteran said: “There’s not a lot of year left in us. That would be horrible if we would not be able to enjoy the benefits our husbands worked hard for.”
JFAV said they will continue to ask Pelosi to co-sponsor the equity bill. They also plan to lobby for the support of long-time veteran supporters Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Congressmen Mike Honda (D-CA) and Bob Filner (D-CA). Balitang America
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Neither a Partisano nor a Guide Soldier
As far as I know, Filipino Veterans during Second World War were either those who are Filipino Soldiers of the Commonwealth Government and or those whose affiliation is with the United States Army. During the time that Japan declared war against the United States by attacking Pearl Harbor, President F.D. Roosvelt order his military officers to enlist personnel and recruits to prepare for a long battle with Japan. On December 1941 Japan Invaded the Philippines. On April 9, the following Bataan and Correigedor fall under the enemy, The Usafe and Commonwealth Command (Joint Defence) surrender. Gen. McArthur with Commonwealth officials escaped to prepare the re-taking and liberation of the Philippines. The McArthur promise of "I shall Return" became the BattleCry to remain standing of the Filipino Guerilla Resistance Movement in the entire coutnry. Gen Wainright was to take over of the Post but to take order from the United States Higher Core of Command Headed by the United States President. The fall was followd by the historical event called the Death March as sixty kilometer turtorous march for the ailing, wounded,rest deprive and undernourished veterans where many more soldiers and officials died and some escaped.In short Japan fully invaded the Philippines. From Appari and Jolo soldiers links to the United State Army will have to recruit guerilla to form their unit as I understand. They will prepare the Liberation forces and will provide important intellegent about the enemy activities and their were about using the available communication. They are to be active part of Liberation of the Philippines and the victory of the United States from the enemy. As such they were and U.S. army enlist and drafts that were previously been enlisted and as new members when MacArthur order their creation. They are not just working as guides but part of the greater organization we know as the United States Army.
Mistaken notion by Media???
Have called up veterans affairs office in Manila, this report is just a misconception by media daw and not true that the fund will be used for those who have been denied previously. Is it really a mistaken notion? This brought hope to my ailing grandpa when heard of this news. Is there still a chance to receive justice for those who have been denied????
Equity Bill
I disagree from some of the politicians who are backing up for the Filipino veterans to upgrade their pensions. US government rendered the reward to them for their services as a guide during the WW2. US veterans who served during the Vietnam conflict when they expired their widower would be left empty or no survivor benefits not at least they elected a survivor benefit plan. While these Filipino guerrilla who escorted the Americans are clamoring for their wive's benefits when they expired. what happened to the equalization treatment in our government? Whatever angle I glanced at, these Filipino veterans always had some greedy politician supporting their claims like vultures who never get satisfied. I hope the bill will not be approved in fairness to the US veterans who served 20 years or more in any conflict.