Media Advisory

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)

February 11, 2009

Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia

(213) 241-0995

No to Lump Sum without Full Recognition, justice and Equity, Now!

Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill is now hangs by a thread.

While the US Senate passed the Stimulus bill, it will still go on a bicameral conference to settle its differences and the veterans befits bill is in danger of being dropped again. Senator Inouye inserted the benefits bill and promised to resign as Senate Appropriations chair if the Filipino veterans bill does not pass.

On February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces.

It follows, the racist action of the US Congress last September 2008 that approved the S1315 BUT without the Filipino provision that grants full recognition and lifetime pension benefit. Later, Senator Inouye passed S3689 or a Special Appropriation bill- SB 3689, NOW DEAD IN THE WATER. If this is not outright racism, what is this? Racism and discrimination by any other name!

Granting that the Stimulus bill pass, the lump sum bill still has a “quit claim” or a foreclosure to any claim for a lifetime full pension benefit. While the , 000 for US citizens or ,000 for non-US citizens may provide temporary relief, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR RECOGNITION!

World War 2 in the Philippines was an American war fought in an American territory. Veterans and the Filipino people are fighting for something Filipino veterans deserve: FULL RECOGNITION. Mercenaries may be happy with a monetary concession. But the Filipino veterans who have experienced the rapacity of the war to their teeth deserve better. This is a fight for justice and dignity.

Position of JFAV (Justice for Filipino-American Veterans)

There will be veterans who out of extreme necessity have to concede to the lump sum bill when approved. JFAV will respect the decision of these veterans so long as they understand that they can accept but with a stamp of political protest. Others will wait and see. Some will reject the lump sum even if offered.

Collectively, JFAV stands to fight for FULL RECOGNITION and lifetime pension benefit. We will stand united as we are until we attain justice for the veterans, the widows and the Filipino people.

JFAV rejects lump sum without full recognition. Amend the S1315 to include full recognition and lifetime pension benefits for Filipino World War veterans.

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On February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces.

It follows, the racist action of the US Congress last September 2008 that approved the S1315 BUT without the Filipino provision that grants full recognition and lifetime pension benefit. Later, Senator Inouye passed S3689 or a Special Appropriation bill- SB 3689, NOW DEAD IN THE WATER. If this is not outright racism, what is this? Racism and discrimination by any other name!