Washington D.C.  Money for Filipino World War II Veterans is still alive in the economic stimulus bill. A bipartisan group of Democratic and Republican senators slashed billions from the bill, but kept $198 million for the U.S. and Philippines-based Filipino veterans.

Ben de Guzman, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity is glad the Filvet provision is still alive, but he warns, “We’re cautiously optimistic but then again you never know these things, I’m not willing to put a percentage on it.”

Money for Filipino veterans has been opposed by Republicans, and was singled out by the bill’s critics.  De Guzman adds, “We’ve been distressed by the way it has been talked about particularly by the opposition, in our perspective this doesn’t cost anything, the money is already appropriated”

Virginia Republican ward leader Vellie Hall is taking up the cudgels for the veterans. She says, “I sent out emails to all members of Filipino-American republicans of Virginia to call their senators and send emails regarding the funding of our Filipino veterans.”

The National Federation of Filipino American associations are also appealing to their kababayans for support. NaFFAA Vice Chair Rozita Lee says, “All Filipino-Americans, get on the telephone, get your pens out, get on the email and make those calls to your particular senators and your congressmen.  Tell them to please support this stimulus bill because the bill that’s for (Filipino) veterans is included in it.”

Veterans’ supporters say the struggle to win benefits and recognition for Filipino veterans will not be stopped by political intramurals on Capitol Hill. If they don’t get it in the stimulus bill, they say there will be other bills to come.