FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Arturo P. Garcia
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)
April 25, 2008

US SENATE PASSES VETERANS BENEFITS FOR FILIPINO VETERANS 96-1, JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW!

Los Angeles- After 63 years, finally US Senate on April 24, 2008 passed the Veterans Expanded Benefits Bill with a vote of 96-1.

This bill is generally an omnibus bill enhancing benefits to most US veterans. The provision of S.57 was partly incorporated in S. 1315 which will afford the Filipino veterans in the US to receive the same benefits as those of their US veteran counterpart. Those who are residing in the Philippines shall receive a monthly special pension of $300/month if the bill is finally signed into law.

The Senate also voted 56-41 to defeat the effort of Sen. Richard Burr(R, NC) to redirect pension towards U.S veterans. Almost all those who opposed the bill including Senator Burr and Craig voted for the bill. Democratic Senator Barack Obama who promised to vote for the bill and Republican candidate John McCain were not able to vote and were absent. Senator Hillary Clinton voted for the bill and attended the session.

Senator Inouye reminded legislators, in his very emotional speech today about the bravery of Filipino soldiers during the Bataan Death March. According to Inouye, "for their courage and contributions during World War II the Filipino veterans deserve to live in dignity and that passing the bill shall restore their honor."

Republicans Token Opposition

Calling the Filipino veterans benefit as a costly provision, Republican Senator Richard Burr from North Carolina strongly opposed the provision giving benefits to the Filipino veterans. His amendment was rejected by a majority vote of 56-41.

Senator Akaka (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee had shown full support not only to the Filipino veterans but to all US war veterans. He said t hat the "passage of S. 1315 is about honor and is the right thing to do. This is America's moral obligation. No fellow warrior shall be left behind."

Senator Stevens gave younger members of the Senate a small refresher course about World War II: . “These people were the keys to the Pacific. Without them, we would have seen war for another few years. They gave us the time to survive.”

The original 200,000 Filipino World War II veterans who fought side by side with the US veterans are now mostly octogenarians and barely 18,000 are alive. More than one million Filipinos died during World War II.

Work Ahead, Struggle Against Racism

“Our work has just begun our next target will be the House of Representatives to pass the bill and give justice, equity and correct the errors of racism for the Filipino World War II veterans” Arturo Garcia. JFAV and People’s CORE Coordinator said.

For more than half a century, the Filipino World War II veterans have been seeking for just and equal recognition as US veterans. The house bill HR 760 should continue to gain support from legislators in the House with the passage of S. 1315 in Senate.

For those who wish to participate in the advocacy, please contact JFAV at 213-241-0995 or email atjfav_causa@yahoo or go to our blogspot at alliancephilippines.blogspot.com