Media Advisory

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)

July 26, 2006

Contact: Arturo P. Garcia

Phone: (213) 241-0906

FILIPINO VETERANS MARKS USAFFE DAY, HOUSE FAILED TO PASS EQUITY BILL

Los Angeles—Different Filipino Veterans groups marked the 67th year Filipino soldiers conscription day or the USAFFE DAY, July 26, 1941 with festivities and protests.

More than 15 veterans and community leaders of Southern California. In a symbolic protest-- signed an open letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding the passage of the SB 1315 version in the house that has been languishing in the US Congress for more than 18 years.

In a community forum sponsored by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) held at SIPA on July 25, 2008, they declared:

“ We hold you as a the speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party responsible for not passing the bill in the house. You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into a vote despite several promises.” The Filipino leaders demand that the SB 1315 version in the house be passed before the US Congress recess on August 31.

Those who signed the letter were Filipino veterans leaders and Commanders Peping Baclig, Franco Arcebal, Eugene Mondok, Jack Vergara, Nick Gadia, Juan Dela Torre, Leonides Alcantara and Lulu Astilla. Other community, youth and union leaders followed.

Earlier in the morning of July 25, more than a hundred veterans and community supporters were treated with sumptuous lunch at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) as a tribute for their service during World War II. Errol Santos of the HPMC, Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu, Commander Lulu Astilla of the Veterans Center Association and Pilipino American Veterans Association (PAVA) and Susan Dilkes promised to support the veterans equity struggle.

If the SB 135 version in the house is not passed, the equity bill might be considered dead this year. The Democratic Party have promised four times since last year to pass the Filipino Veterans equity bill. The Filipino veterans hold Speaker Pelosi responsible for her broken promises.

For more information about jfav call Al P.Garcia at( people’s CORE 213)241-0906 /Mike Nailat at SIPA at (213)382-1819 or rmail@jfav_causa@yahoo or visit our blogspot@alliancephilippines.blogspot,com