CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED!

Justice for Filipino Americans (JFAV)
RECOGNITION, JUSTICE, EQUITY, NOW!
1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No.2 Los Angeles, CA 90026

Media Advisory
Contact; Joy-Alonica Bautista
Phone: (213) 241-0906
February 5, 2010

CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED!

More than 16,000 Veterans Claims Denied as Feb 16 Deadline Ends

Los Angeles— CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED!

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles expressed utmost disgust as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum.

JFAV media coordinator Joy-Alonica Bautista said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum."

Racism as a problem

Now, the truth is out: They have taken the Filipinos and the Filipino-American community and our veterans for a ride. This is another dirty act and a living proof of racism.

The mere fact that the DVA denied more veterans than they approved is proof of discrimination.

Way back in 2001, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, PVAO and JFAV stood for the figure of 54,000 living veterans in the Philippines and 18,000 in the United States. This pit against the DVA's small estimate of 24,000 veterans shows that the DVA always gives the smallest number afraid that their budget will be affected.

Now the problem is out: there is less money to give out to the living veterans thus just deny veterans' their benefits. The DVA is just too arrogant to say they were wrong. And the Filipino World War II veterans are again the hapless victims.


OVA Pledge to help the Veterans

On the Veterans Recognition Day on February 1, 2010 at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) Social Hall, Ret. Gen. Victor Corpus, Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) reported the matter.

“I am ready to listen and help. We will help the 16,000 veterans to make their appeal. I am a son of and my grandfather is a veteran. I feel what you feel, being left out and discriminated by the system,” said Gen. Corpus, a one-time NPA guerilla fighter and then a rebel returnee to the Philippine government.

Gen. Corpus, a graduate of PMA Class 1967, joined the New People's Army and was captured in 1976. He was imprisoned for eight years and rejoined the AFP after being amnestied by President Aquino in 1986. He was promoted to general by President Arroyo and retired in 2004. He is now the head of the Office of Veterans Affairs of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.
Gen. Corpus gave certificates of recognition to 22 veterans and community leaders who worked for the lump sum claims and got it after 63 years of struggle.

One Year Appeal Process for 16,000 denials?

“According to the DVA, the appeals process will only last for one year. This will be our stress and is our commitment,” Percival Abu, veteran’s liaison for the Philippine Embassy, said.

According to the DVA, more than 11,000 have received their lump sum claims by Feb.1, 2010. More than 34,000 applications were received by the DVA. But JFAV reiterated that less than 3,000 Filipino veterans in the US have received their claims.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the 64th year of the unjust and racist Rescission act of 1946, The KmB (Pro People Youth) will be holding an event called “LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE” at SIPA on February 18, 2010 at 6:30 PM.

SIPA is located on 3200.W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

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