Media Advisory

JFAV Update

Los Angeles, CA

June 27, 2008

STILL NO EQUITY BILL, PGMA US VISIT-A SPOILER?

Los Angeles- The Justice for Filipino Veterans (JFAV) expressed dismay that the equity bill was not discussed last Wednesday, June 25.

Instead, the legislative visit or the lobby by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took precedence in the House of Representatives. She awarded the "order of the golden" heart in behalf of her government for US representatives even if the US lower house did not act upon the bill and discussed it on the floor.

The information received from the veterans lobby group in Washington DC, the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV) said the bill will a chance to be voted on the floor on Wednesday, June 25. But it was not the case.

Credit Grabbing

JFAV believes that PGMA did what all politicians do. Grab and claim the credit from the fruits of Filipino World War II veteran’s advocacy. She said this is one of her major agenda in visiting the U.S.

“But it seems she is duplicating what President Fidel Ramos and NAFFAA President Alex Esclamado did in 1997, that is to preempt the passage of the equity bill. Claim credit for its victory and in the process jeopardizes its approval.” JFAV said.

“ President Arroyo is now the most unpopular president of the Philippines and is using her touted US visit to deodorize herself and use the veterans issue as her public relations blitz” JFAV coordinator Arturo Garcia said.

American legislators have assured President Gloria Arroyo that the House of Representatives before the US presidential elections in November this year would pass the Veterans Equity bill.

Another broken promise?

For the fourth time, San Diego Democratic Congressman Bob Filner again promised: “We will fix the loopholes. We will iron out the system and give due benefits to the Filipino veterans,’’ said Congressman Bob Filner of California, one of the founders of the bi-partisan caucus which always supports Philippine interests.

Filner said there was 218 members of the US House of Representatives support the bill. However, for the bill to be passed, it has to get two-third votes of the House or 290 votes.’ We could do that. We will pass the bill,’’ Filner said.

JFAV hopes for the best expect the worst and are prepared for the struggle. There is no hope but relying on the Filipino Community and its allies to pass the equity bill and fight racism.

“ We cannot rely on politicians like PGMA, the so called “champions of equity” who kept promising us that equity bill will pass”. The Filipino-American community and its allies must act to get this injustice corrected and systemic racism eradicated for good”. Arturo P. Garcia, JFAV coordinator concluded.

For more information contact JFAV or Al Garcia at 92310241-0906 or Mike Nailat/Ernest Tamayo at 213-382-1819 or email at jfav_causa@yahoo.com or visit our blogspot at alliancephilippines.blgospot.com