by Justice for Filipino American Veterans
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 at 3:59 PM
jfav_us@@yahoo.com 213-241-0995 337 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
A groups of San Francisco Filipino World War II veterans sent a petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the San Francisco State Building to expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill that now hangs by a thread.
While the Stimulus bill passed the Senate last Tuesday, Feb 10, it will still go to a bicameral conference. The San Francisco Filipino veterans and their advocates sent the petition to the Speaker office last February 10, to make sure that it will not suffer the fate of S. 1315.
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Media Advisory
Justice for Filipino America Veterans (JFAV)
February 11 2009
Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia
(213)241-0995
SAN FRANCISCO VETS PETITIONS PELOSI ON STIMULUS BILL
San Francisco- – A groups of San Francisco Filipino World War II veterans sent a petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the San Francisco State Building to expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill that now hangs by a thread.
While the Stimulus bill passed the Senate last Tuesday, Feb 10, it will still go to a bicameral conference. The San Francisco Filipino veterans and their advocates sent the petition to the Speaker office last February 10, to make sure that it will not suffer the fate of S. 1315.
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.
In the stimulus bill- the lump sum bill still has a “quit claim” or a foreclosure to any claim for a lifetime full pension benefit. While the $15, 000 for US citizens or $9,000 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.
