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 16, 2010

INJUSTICE: More than 16,000 Veterans Denied out of 41,000 Claims

Los Angeles—As the February 16 deadline came, 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 that injustice reigns as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum out of the of the 41,000 applicants.

JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P, Garcia said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum. This proves injustice still prevails.”

Injustice and Inequality

JFAV pointed out that the mere fact that the DVA denied more veterans than they approved is proof of grave injustice.

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.

Garcia pointed out : “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.

JFAV To File Case vs the DVA

The JFAV is contemplating to file a case of mandamus and a declaratory relief in court against the DVA for the Filipino Veterans who were denied because they are not on so called “Missouri List” Garcia pointed out that this is a case of denial of the equal rights before the law and exclusion of veterans, their widows and rightful heirs.

JFAV’s Garcia also cited the case that the Filipino World War II veterans widows were excluded from the stimulus benefits.

"There are three times the number of widows than the veterans. Widows of the deceased veterans and their rightful heirs must also be compensated for their” human sufferings” as provided by the Stimulus act.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the 64th year of the unjust and racist Rescission act of February 18, 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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