by Justice for Filipino American Veterans
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at 1:43 PM
jfav_us@@yahoo.com 213-241-0995 1610 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses its opposition to the lump sum provision included in the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Section 1001. Title X.
In the Stimulus bill that passed, 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!
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Media Advisory
Justice for Filipino America Veterans (JFAV)
February 23, 2009
Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia
(213)241-0995
No to Lump Sum without Full Recognition,
FIGHT RACISM ,FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY
Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses its opposition to the lump sum provision included in the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Section 1001. Title X.
In the Stimulus bill that passed, 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!
This came after the US Congress excluded the Filipino veterans in the S. 1315 like what they did in the unjust Re4scission Act of 1946 that singled out the Filipinos out of the 66 nationalities which served the United States.
Adding insult to injury the widows of the Filipino veterans who died before the lump sum provision was approved were excluded from the benefits. Congresswomen Lucille Roybal Allard said the widows were left out because of budgetary concerns.
World War 2 in the Philippines was an American war fought in an American territory. More than a million fight during the war fro freedom. Thus, the 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)
We believe that the lump sum provision in the Stimulus bill should not be a cause for celebration. We highly criticize the efforts of some groups and individuals who wanted to celebrate this event even though this does not measure up to the demands of the veterans themselves.
We believe that the lump sum provision aims to divide the community and spurs debate and acrimony among the ranks of veterans, advocates and organizations while making the US Congress magnanimous in spite of its racial bias and discrimination against Filipinos.
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.
We call on all concerned individual and organizations to continue with the struggle. Amend the S1315 to include full recognition and lifetime pension benefits for Filipino World War veterans.
