FIL-AMS MARKED 2nd YEAR OF MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE OF 2009 IN LA (tags)
“Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.” Scores of Filipino Americans attended the photo exhibit and prayer memorial honoring the 58 Maguindanao Massacre victims on November 23, 2009 last Wednesday November 23, 2011at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) Social Hall in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles. The event was organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-US Chapter, the Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles, Philippine American Press Club, Philippine Press Photographers-USA, Frontliners Media Group and F7, in cooperation with the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP), the Justice for Filipino American Veterans and People’s CORE.
Los Angeles City Council Passes Resolution to Support AB 199 and AJR 6 for Filipino WWII V (tags)
The Los Angeles City Council today unanimously approved the resolution in support of California AB 199 and AJR 6 in a legislative effort to recognize the presence and contribution of Filipino World War II veterans in our history books, To support Asssemblyperson Fiona Ma?s effort City Coouncil member Richard Alarcon introduced the resolution. It was seconded by Councilmen Tom Lebonge, Eric Garcetti, Jose Huizar,Ed Reyes and Bill Rosendhal, a Vietnam War veteran. All of them spoke to support the resolution to the delight of the crowd.
RALLY/VIGIL FOR JUSTICE, NO TO MARTIAL LAW! DEC. 10 in LA (tags)
RALLY/VIGIL FOR JUSTICE, NO TO MARTIAL LAW! DISMANTLE THE WARLORDS AND PRIVATE ARMIES! NO TO US INTERVENTION IN THE PHILIPPINES! OUST THE US- ARROYO REGIME! THURSDAY, AT 6;30 PM ,DECEMBER 10, 2009 Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles 3600 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010
COMMUNITY FORUM AND MEMORIAL MEETING HELD , DEC 8 at FACLA (tags)
Scores of Filipino Americans and their American allies held a solemn memorial meeting to remember the 64 victims of the Maguindanao Massacre last November 23, 2009 last Tuesday night on December 8, 2009 at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 In a candle light vigil, the 64 people who were killed in the most gruesome massacre in the most recent Philippine History last November 23, 2009 in Ampatuan, Maguindanao among them 31 media people were memorialized .
RALLY/VIGIL FOR JUSTICE, Dec 10 at Phil Consulate, 3600 Wilshire Blvd. LA (tags)
RALLY/VIGIL FOR JUSTICE, DISMANTLE THE WARLORDS AND PRIVATE ARMIES! NO TO US INTERVENTION IN THE PHILIPPINES! OUST THE US- ARROYO REGIME! THURSDAY, AT 6;30 PM DECEMBER 10, 2009 Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles 3600 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010
Dec. 8 Memorial Meeting: JUSTICE FOR MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE VICTIMS at FACLA (tags)
COMMUNITY FORUM AND MEMORIAL MEETING: JUSTICE FOR THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE VICTIMS, NOW! TUESDAY AT 7: 00 PM DECEMBER 8, 2009 FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF LOS ANGELES (FACLA) 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
HONOR OUR HEROES; AWARE-HPMC MARKS 68th USAFFE DAY JULY 24 IN LA (tags)
“Honor our Heroes, Remember their Heroism.’ Widows, advocates and veterans led by the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in cooperation with the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) of Los Angeles commemorates the 68th year anniversary of the USAFFE Day, July 26, 1941 on Friday, July 24th at 9:30 AM at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont St, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
SAVE THE DATES; KALAYAAN (FREEDOM) PHILIPPINE SERIES: JUNE 11-13,, 2009 (tags)
One hundred eleven years ago, the Filipino revolutionaries won and declared their independence from colonial Spain on June 12, 1898. Two months after on August 13, 1898, the United States occupied Manila and seven months later on Feb 4, 1899 declared war on the Philippines and crushed the young republic. 111 years later the Filipinos are still in struggle for true independence and sovereignty. With the VFA imposed,active US intervention and a culture of impunity of human rights violations forced on the Filipinos-- the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) and its allies commemorate Philippine Independence with fierce struggle in the United States with the following activities:
RP-US Government Created Huge Problem on Veterans Claims (tags)
The Philippine and United States government created a huge problem about Filipino World War II claims. The JFAV is expecting a lot of applications to be filed until Feb 16, 2010. This is due to the fact that PVAO admitted that there are 40,000 still living veterans in the Philippines. There are around 6,000 veterans living in the United States. In this connection, JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia criticized both the Philippine and US governments “for giving false hopes to the poor, disabled and old veterans. What will they say to those veterans who will not be paid. That they were not veterans because they their papers are not in order? “ Garcia also said: “ Besides not giving widows any benefits the law is flawed because it only provided benefits for 18,000 veterans. “
LACSON BOYS TO BE FREED BY US COURTS (tags)
The AJLPP learned today that a Federal Appeals court on Friday vacated the sentence of a former Philippine National Police officer imprisoned for possessing secret US documents. Michael Ray Aquino is serving a six-year, four-month sentence after pleading guilty to unauthorized possession of classified documents.The new ruling in US District Court concluded that the sentence was based on a mistaken interpretation of federal guidelines. "For the AJLPP the news of the release proves that the charade of injustice is ever present when it comes to the cabal of AFP men who served as worst human rights violator and proven puppets of the United Statesmilitary like the Lacson boys," AJLPP said.
LACSON BOYS TO BE FREED BY US COURTS (tags)
The AJLPP learned today that a Federal Appeals court on Friday vacated the sentence of a former Philippine National Police officer imprisoned for possessing secret US documents. Michael Ray Aquino is serving a six-year, four-month sentence after pleading guilty to unauthorized possession of classified documents.The new ruling in US District Court concluded that the sentence was based on a mistaken interpretation of federal guidelines. "For the AJLPP the news of the release proves that the charade of injustice is ever present when it comes to the cabal of AFP men who served as worst human rights violator and proven puppets of the United Statesmilitary like the Lacson boys," AJLPP said.
The Filipino American community send a letter to President Barack Obama on his first day in office, January 20, 2009. The letter to Obama was discussed and written by less than a hundred Filipino American composed of community leaders, Balitang America viewers and experts on the economy, immigration, and Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates in a community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008. The letter was read again in a broadcast yesterday, January 20, 2009 at the ABS -CBN Filipino Channel with a more than 300,000 subecribers and more than six million viewers.
REP. MANDANAS VISITS LOS ANGELES, CONDUCTS DIALOGUE WITH FILAM VETERANS (tags)
Philippine Congressman Herminigildo Mandanas together with Los Angeles Consul General Mary Jo B. Aragon held a dialogue with the Filipino American veterans and community leaders last Friday, January 9 at FASGI, 135 N. Parkview St. Los Angeles. They discussed the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689 that passed the Senate hearings last November 17 remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Heated Discussion There was a heated discussion on the lump sum bill when JFAV leader Arturo P. Garcia brought put the fact that the SB 3689 has a quit claim and offers no recognition to the veterans. He also scored the vagueness of the bill.
FILAMS HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING, WRITES OBAMA (tags)
Less than a hundred Filipino American composed of community leaders, Balitang America viewers and experts on the economy, immigration, and Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates held a year end-Community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008 and after a spirited discussion read a letter to be sent to the President –elect Barack Obama who will assume office on January 20, 2009.
Filipino Americans Hold Town hall meeting (tags)
More than a hundred Filipino American community leaders held a year end-Community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008 and after a spirited discussion read a letter to be sent to the President –elect Barack Obama who will assume office on January 20, 2009. In a belated telecast on December 31, 2008 and January 1-2, 2009 of the community town hall meeting held at the ABS -CBN Broadcast Center at Redwoods City south of San Francisco, the Filipino American leaders were united and were filled with optimism with the coming New Year despite the threats of global recession.
JFAV ACTIVIST CONTINUE PROTEST ACTIVITIES (tags)
JFAV activists here continue their unrelenting advocacy in support of various causes and in protest of other issues even as the community savors Christmas and the advent of a new year. The Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689 that passed the Senate hearings last November 17 remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Despite failing energy, living FilVets and their young advocates stay active on the road, making their presence felt in mass actions and community gatherings, and taking the opportunity to speak their minds.
OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE... (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) condoles with widows and relatives of departed veterans and widows while it continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. This happens as the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, in the meantime , different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV Represents in Big Events (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. While the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV Represented in Big Events in WAshington DC and SFO (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. While the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV SUPPORTS SAYAW, SIGLA, SAYA SA PASKO IN GLENDALE. DEC.13 (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)wholeheartedly supports the Filipino Cultural Group as they present SAYAW, SIGLA.SAYA SA PASKO- A “Filipino Cultural Show” on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91209. JFAV cordially invites the public to support such worthy endeavor for our community and our culture. JFAV as member organization of the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) based in central Los Angeles. The JFAV commends this early Christmas present which is a fund raiser for some constructions and renovation at the St.Columban Filipino Parish in Historic Filipinotown.
Filipino Cultural Show in Glendale, Dec.13 (tags)
-The Echo park Community Coalition (EPCC) announces that the Filipino Cultural Group, will present SAYAW, SIGLA.SAYA SA PASKO- A “Filipino Cultural Show” on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91209. This early Christmas present is a fund raiser for some constructions and renovation at the St.Columban Filipino Parish in Historic Filipinotown. This historic landmark for Filipino-American history was built in 1965 and after more than 43 years needs much needed renovations.
ENRILE, TUTA NI MARCOS NOON< GALAMAY NI ARROYO NGAYON (tags)
Para Pesante -USA at sa mga mamayang Pilipino sa Amerika , ang pag-akyat ni Senador Juan Ponce-Enrile bilang Pangulo ng Senado ay pagbabadya ng mga masamang pangitain para sa bayan. Para sa isang tampok na tagapagtanggol at alyado ni Arroyo, ang pagpapalit ng pinuno sa Senado ay hudyat ng mga maniobra sa pulitika lalo na sa pagpapalit ng sistema ng gobyerno bago mag-2010
PESANTE CONDEMNS SOUTHERN TAGALOG ACTIVIST CRACKDOWN (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA condemns in the strongest terms what the Southern Tagalog peasant activist crackdown and witch hunt under the US-Arroyo fascist regime. This is how Pesante-USA, a human rights, Filipino peasant advocacy and environmental organization in Los Angeles and Southern Tagalog activists described what would come next after farmer leader Rogelio Galit was arrested Monday evening at Barangay Kaong, Silang, Cavite on murder charges filed at the regional trial court in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Pesante-USA learned through media sources that around 15 armed men in civilian clothes arrested Galit, an officer of the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan and spokesperson of the Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa Kabite, said his wife Patricia who witnessed the arrest at their house.
JFAV Optomistic on the passage of the veterans benefits bill this year. (tags)
Taking time-off from its hectic activities to pass the veterans benefits bill pending in the US Congress, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008. The veterans and their advocates are still very hopeful that the US Congress will convene the joint conference committee to reconcile the three separate bills for Filipino veterans. At present the S. 1315, HR 6897 and the Chat Edwards bill that appropriated $198 million for the veterans needs to be reconciled. The JFAV and the ACFV is still highly optimistic that the reconciled bill that will grant recognition and give benefits to the Filipino veterans will be enacted before the US Congress ends this year.
Filipino Veterans Commemorate 64th Year of the Leyte Landing at HPMC in LA (tags)
–Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008. Scores of World War II veterans, community advocates and the Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu, Errol Santos of HPMC and hospital personnel led the simple rites held at the HPMC auditorium. A Filipino mass was officiated by Fr. George Florendo to pay tribute to both living and departed veterans who fought in World War II in the Philippines.
AJLPP: RP-US war games in Luzon –An Act of Armed Intervention (tags)
The AJLPP vehemently condemns US-RP BALIKATAN joint military exercises in the Philippines. The AJLPP said that US imperialism aims to further strengthen its military position in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific region amid the severe crises besetting the US and its puppet regime. The AJLPP denounced the series of Balikatan exercises as "a continuing outright violation of national sovereignty, as armed foreign troops are allowed to freely operate, and even engage in combat as well as intelligence and other military operations in Philippine territory.” The AJLPP likewise condemned the puppet Arroyo government "for allowing the US to use the revival of its military bas
JFAV Oct 10 Nationwide Mass Actions-Fight Racism! (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! No Justice, No Peace! On Friday, October 10, in Los Angeles and San Francisco,hundreds of Filipino American students, youth and veterans with their allies from AJLPP, ANSWER-LA, PCORE, SIPA,SEIU, LAANE and other groups held their rallies in front of the Federal Building in the two cities for Filipino veterans rights.
JFAV Oct 10 Nationwie Mass Actions -A Success! (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! No Justice, No Peace. On Friday, October 10, in Los Angeles and San Francisco,hundreds of Filipino American students, youth and veterans with their allies from AJLPP, ANSWER-LA, PCORE, SIPA,SEIU, LAANE and other groups held their rallies in front of the Federal Building in the two cities for Filipino veterans rights.
AJLPP Supports JFAV Mass Actions (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! The AJLPP urgently calls on the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia announced. In this regard the AJLPP supports the Justice for the Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in its call for nationwide mass actions against blatant racism and struggle for for veteran rights.
AJLPP Support JFAV Mass Actions for the Final Push for Filipino Veterans Rights- (tags)
he AJLPP stands for and supports the final offensive in the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said. The mass actions will be held from October 6 to 10, 2008 U.S wide.
AJLPP Support JFAV Mass Actions for the Final Push for Filipino Veterans Rights- (tags)
“ The demand of Filipino World War II veterans for their benefits and rights is just and reasonable cause and no amount of denial and delay from the US Congress can justify its callous and racist actions of stalling the benefits bill denied from them for 63 years.” The AJLPP stands for and supports the final offensive in the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said. The mass actions will be held from October 3 to 10, 2008 U.S wide.
NO BAILOUT FOR CAPITALIST CROOKS- -EPCC (tags)
“Jail the greedy capitalist crooks, No to the federal bail-out to embezzlers, No burden to honest tax-payers!” This is the stand of the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC in central Los Angeles as the Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City Council on Tuesday denounced the $700-billion rescue plan for the nation's financial institutions, saying the deal provides too much power to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson.
SB 1315 STILL HOPES TO PASS! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV) and other veterans advocates have rejected the Filner proposal- HR 6897 confident that S-1315 still has a chance of passing. “1315 is alive and well,” stressed Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. “ The house version of SB 1315 still can pass,” says Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) leader Arturo P.Garcia said: “ If the democrats will do their job, they can pass it. We do not want the Filner’s quitclaim bill. Let our voices be heard loud and clear.”
TIYA DELY MAGPAYO--HALIGI NG KULTURANG PILIPINO (tags)
Taus-pusong nagpupugay ang Alyansa Pilipinas (AJLPP) sa matibay na haligi at tagapagtaguyod ng kulturang Pilipino lalo na ng wikang Tagalog si Tiya Dely- Fidela Mendoza Magpayo. Kasama kami ng mamamayang Pilipino nagpupugay at nalulungkot sa iyong pagyao. Nakikiramay kami ( ang AJLPP) sa lahat ng kamag-anak, kaibigan tagahanga at nakikinig sa iyong mga program. Sa loob ng animnapung (60) taon ang kanyang tinig ay pumailanglang sa ere. Kahit ang martial law ay hindi siya napatahimk. Palibhasa nagsimula siya noong 1940 sa panahn ng pananakop ng Hapoes at yumao lamang nitong 2008, si Tiya Dely ay sinubaybayan ng milyong nakikinig sa radyo at maging ng telebisyon ng dekada 1960-80.
OPPOSITION BET MAYOR BINAY BLASTS GMA IN LA VISIT (tags)
Presumptive presidential candidate for the President of the Philippines. Makati Ciy mayor Jejomar Binay held a press conference at Bahay Kubo restaurant in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles, yesterday, August 27,2008. Addressing a jam packed hall with Filipino community leaders from all over California, Mayor Jojo Binay lambasted the failed policies of current Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in his capacity as the PDP-Laban president and the United Opposition (UNO), He is reportedly supported by former President Joseph “Erap”Estrada.
UFAV Commander Maj. Crescencio E. Abad, 88 (tags)
Commander Crescencio E. Abad, past president of the Filipino World War II veterans group –the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) based in Los Angeles passed away last August 2, 2008. He was 88 years old. Cmdr. Cres Abad was a World War II Bataan veteran and fought under the USAFFE. He belonged to the 301st Field Artillery Battery of the 21st FA of the USAFFE. He was also a survivor of the infamous Death March. He later served as a guerilla serving under the USFIP-NL and fought at the famous Battle of Bessang Pass. He served as an adjutant and S1 of the 21st FA Battery of the USFIP-NL that supported the troops that forced the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio City 1945. He served under the US Army Philippine Scouts and was discharged from the US Army in 1949. He retired as a major under the Philippine Army and became a lawyer and an M.P.A graduate.
Commander Crescencio E. Abad, past president of the Filipino World War II veterans group –the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) based in Los Angeles passed away last August 5, 2008. He was 88 years old. Cmdr. Cres Abad was a World War II Bataan veteran and fought under the USAFFE. He belonged to the 301st Field Artillery Battery of the 21st FA of the USAFFE. He was also a survivor of the infamous Death March.
SGSI Commander Manuel Aquino, 91 (tags)
Commander Manny Aquino, past president of the Filipino World War II veterans group –the Society of Guerillas and Scouts International (SGSI) based in Los Angeles passed away last August 5, 2008. He was 91 years old. Cmdr. Manny Aquino was a World War II Bataan veteran and fought under the USAFFE. He was also a survivor of the infamous Death March and later a guerilla. He served under the Philippine Army and fought under PEFTOK during the Korean War from 1950-1954. He later joined the Philippine Navy until he retired from military service while in the Philippines. Cmdr. Aquino succeeded Cmdr. Isidro Bathan and held the post of SGI commander until he was relieved by Cmdr. Jack Vergara in December 16, 2006. He was an active member of the army reserve and its honor guard. He was born on August 13, 1917 in the Philippines and lived in Carson.
Echo Park Lotus Festival 2008, without the Lotus (tags)
The 31st annual Asian Lotus Festival in Echo Park was held without the Lotus last July 11 to 13, 2008. As early as May, people started to notice that the usual lotus bed in the Echo Park Lake was absent from its bed. By June, the city authorities started to worry about the absence of the Lotus flower. And when the Lotus festival was held last July 11-13, 2008 ,the festival has must go on, like how show business does.
Equity Bill in the US Congress -Another Broken Promise? (tags)
he Democrats since 2006 have promised to pass the equity bill in the US congress. Even Philippine President jumped into the bandwagon. She will be thanking US President Bush for signing the equity bill, even though the bill is not yet on the floor of the house. But what really happened? What wrong with the bill? Is the equity bill dead?
With heavy heart but with great resolve, we in the First Quarter Storm Network (FQSN) in the United States grieve the demise of one of our dear friend, comrade and mentor, Bayani Abadilla who passed away last May 14. I was honored to work with and spend time with Ka Bay during the tumultuous but outstanding time of the First Quarter Storm from 1970. Bay was so respected because he was a pioneer activist leader from MLQD since the 1960’s. One of the founders of the Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan (SBK) of MLQU, he led the students of the said university in uniting with the Muslim students against the policies of the administration and gathering the students against US imperialism and the puppet US-Marcos regime before and during the FQS.
ROUGH SAILING FOR THE VETERANS EQUITY BILL IN CONGRESS? (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the alliance of veterans groups and advocates through its Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia expressed dismay over the failure of Democratic Party Speaker Nancy Pelosi to present to the floor of the house HR 760 or the Veterans Equity Bill before the memorial day weekend. JFAV learned from different sources that the reason for the untimely delay was the strong opposition from the “ blue dog” democrats. The blue dogs are the fiscally conservative democrats in the congress. The fear is that they might vote with the conservative Republicans against the equity bill.. ‘
Bataan Day Protest April 10, 2008 in Los Angeles (tags)
“Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” With these slogans scores of veterans, community advocates, youth and students signified their protest in front of the monument for the veterans of the Spanish-American War at the Westwood National Cemetery near the federal building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd. and Veterans St. yesterday, April 10 at 5:00 PM “Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) commemorate the 66th Bataan Day with a protest rally for the passage of the equity bill in the U.S. Congress.. declared Arturo P. Garcia in an interview with the media. “ If the US Congress can pass a resolution with 415 vote for a free Tibet against China, why can they not do the same with Filipino veterans?” asked Garcia. “ The equity bill has been languishing in Congress for 15 years,” “ What is wrong with Congress? Is this not a case of racism against the Filipinos and a case of China-bashing?” the AJLPP and JFAV declared.
Bataan Day Protest in LA (tags)
“Remember Bataan!” This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942. Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day with a protest rally at the Westwood Federal building 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles on April 10, 2008 at 5:00 P.M.. “Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” will be the slogan of JFAV, AJLPP and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA who were spearheading the rally.
Pelosi and McCain: Pass the Equity Bill First Before Talking About Tibet-JFAV (tags)
Fix your own backyard. Compensate the Filipino World War II veterans . Pass the Equity Bill first, before you speak of justice and freedom in Tibet.” This was the admonition of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) to Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who was strongly criticized by the Chinese government for meddling in the current Tibetan crisis.
Pesante-USA Solidarity Statement on LA International Women’s Day March (tags)
Los Angeles—The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA militantly expresses it solidarity with the International Women’s March led by the MARIPOSA Alliance and Gabriela Network in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 8. The Los Angeles March 8th Against the War march will start on Saturday, AM, March 8 at the corner of Olympic and Broadway and end at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. There will be another march in New York on the same day. We in the Pesante USA also commemorate the first women’s march in the United States was held exactly one hundred years ago. Also on March 8. 1971,we remember, the first women’s march was held for the first time in the in the Philippines. It was led by MAKIBAKA before martial law.
JFAV Supports LA International Women’s Day March 8th Against the War (tags)
Money for Filipino Veterans, Not For the War! With this as the battle cry, the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV) militantly supports and joins the International Women’s Day March led by the MARIPOSA Alliance and Gabriela Network in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 8. The International Women’s Day Los Angeles March 8th Against the War will start on Saturday, at 10:30 AM, March 8 at the corner of Olympic and Broadway and end at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES RALLY AGAINST RESCISSION ACT, FEBRUARY 19 (tags)
MONEY FOR FILIPINO VETERANS, NOT FOR WAR! ALL WE WANT IS JUSTICE, ALL WE WANT IS EQUITY! Despite the inclement weather, the militant slogans from the Filipino World War II Veterans, students, youth and community members reverberated along Los Angeles Street in front of the INS Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles as scores of activist rallied for one and a half hours last uesday, February 19 to mark the 62nd year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946.
JFAV Pays Tribute to Rep. Tom Lantos,(D-CA), 80 (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) pays tribute to Rep. Tom Lantos of California who passed away. JFAV learned that Lantos, 80, passed away at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center in suburban Maryland. Lantos, a Democrat who chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, disclosed last month that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. He has supported the veterans equity bill .
CDIR Marks Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2008 (tags)
The Coalition In Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR)-USA pays tribute to the great African American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today January 21,2008. “While we commemorate Dr. King and his greatness and the American people’s struggle, for justice and equality, the CDIR is however militantly preparing for the surge of anti-immigrant scape-goating in the face of the current economic recession in the United States”, the CDIR-USA coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said.
CDIR Expects Surge Of Anti-Immigrant Scape-Goating (tags)
The Coalition In Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR)-USA expects a high tide or a surge of anti-immigrant scape-goating in the face of the current economic recession in the United States. The CDIR-USA coordinator Arturo P. Garcia also expressed alarm over the move of anti-immigrant lobbyist Ward Connelly, the author of the infamous Proposition 209 in California to put into ballot initiative in five states propositions about race and gender equality. The ballot measures will have better chances of winning in those states like Arizona, Missouri and Colorado with high anti-immigrant bias and forces.
June 24 March-Rally For Immigrants Rights in LA - A Success (tags)
More than 15,000 immigrants and advocates militantly but peacefully marched last Sunday, June 24 in Hollywood to express their sentiments on the ongoing immigrant rights bill in the U.S Congress. Despite the anti-Minutemen rally in south central LA earlier Saturday, threats of ICE raids against immigrants, the oppressive heat and the watchful presence of hundreds of police and county deputies, the more than an hour immigrant rights march occupied more than six blocks from Sunset Street to the rally site at Highland Street in Los Angeles. The April 7 Coalition that led the more than 50,000 mobilization in Los Angeles includes the Latino Movement USA, Hermanidad Mexican National, the ANSWER Coalition and the Coalition in Defense of immigrant Rights (CDIR) and People’s CORE, Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), UTLA and COFEM led this march rally. Other groups that participated in the march rally were AJLPP, KmB, Gabriela, CHIRLA, Comite Pro Uno, Dream Act Students Coalition, Imigrantes Unid
More than 15,000 Immigrants March-Rallied June 24 (tags)
More than 15,000 immigrants and advocates militantly but peacefully marched last Sunday, June 24 in Hollywood to express their sentiments on the ongoing immigrant rights bill in the U.S Congress. Despite the oppressive heat and under the watchful eyes of hundreds of full armed police and county deputies, the more than an hour immigrant rights march occupied more than six blocks from Sunset Street to the rally site at Highland Street in Los Angeles. Although the march-rally was smaller than the earlier marches and rallies that numbered in tens of thousands, that saw police repression and threats of deportations and raids , immigrants and their advocates marched in militant, peaceful and festive mood
AJLPP-USA Mobilizes for June 24 Full Rights for All Immigrants March and Rally in Los Ange (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines(AJLPP)-USA and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles. The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007. As the hopes for the proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” flickered, mass actions should be the order of the day.. The racist conservatives in the Lower House has just filed the “Border Protection First “ bill that elucidates their racist- anti immigrant bias
Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Mobilizes for June 24 Full Rights for All Immigrants (tags)
The AJLPP and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles. The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007. The proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” supported by the White House fell flat last week and was rejected by the conservatives in the Senate. The debate on the bill was not stopped by a narrow margin during the senate voting.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass: SGS Inducted in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall. As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Mobilizes for June 24 Full Rights for All Immigrants (tags)
he Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles. The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007. The proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” supported by the White House fell flat last week and was rejected by the conservatives in the Senate. The debate on the bill was not stopped by a narrow margin during the senate voting.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass: SGS Inducted in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall. As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
On the Defeat of SB 1348 in the U.S. Senate Vote (tags)
“The Immigrant Rights Bill SB 1348 is Dead! Long Live the New Immigrant Rights Bill!” The Coalition in Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR) and the Echo Park Community Coalition(EPCC) believed that the defeat of the current immigration reform bill in the Senate is just temporary. For all immigrants, the failure to pass the bill is just tactical.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass with the Induction of the SGSI in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)/ People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE ) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) cordially invites the general public to commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District will be the guest speaker and the induction officer of the SGSI officers and board of directors. Some of the incoming SGSI officers are Commander Jack Vergara, Deputy Commanders Nick Gadia Adriano Carino and General Secretary Arturo P. Garcia.
JFAV Marks June 12 RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment ( People’s CORE ) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) will commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Supports Immigrant Rights Campaign (tags)
The Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council held its annual meeting last May 30 held at the Manila Terrace Social Hall, 2328 W. Temple St, Los Angeles and unanimously passed a resolution that will commit the EPCC to support the current immigrant rights campaign of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) and the April 7th Coalition, The EPCC decided to mobilize for the upcoming June 24 March and Rally in Los Angeles to demand for full rights for all immigrants. The April 7 Coalition including Latino Movement USA, Herman dad Mexican National, the ANSWER Coalition is leading this march rally on Sunday, June 24 at 12:00 noon at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass with the Induction of the SGSI (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE ) will commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
May 9 Town Hall Meeting on Philippine Overseas Election Held in Los Angeles (tags)
Los Angeles—The first town hall meeting in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles on the May 14 Philippine overseas voting was held last Wednesday, May 9 at 6;30 PM at the SIPA Multi-Purpose Hall, 3200 W. Temple St. The Historic Filipinotown hall meeting was attended by the Philippine consulate officials and a modest crowd of Filipino Americans. Consul General May Jo Aragon, Consuls Helen Barber and San Agustin who heads the overseas voting at the Los Angeles consulate. They clarified and answered many questions about overseas voting from the interested multi-ethnic crowd.
JFAV Commemorates Bataan Day, April 9, 2007 in Los Angeles (tags)
In a rare show of unity and justice for the Filipino community, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates together with the Filipino Veterans Foundation commemorated the 65th Bataan Day yesterday, April 9, 2007 with simple commemorative rites at the memorial monument at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Willy Gaa; Consul Helen Barber of Los Angeles: Alberto Alpasan ,Babes Navarra and Jay Vargas of the Veterans Administration(VA); Council Member Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles graced the April 9 event. Filipino Veterans Foundation by Dra. Jenny Batongmalaque led the commemorative rites. More than 150 Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and families, relatives and veterans advocates attended the four-hour event.
April 7 Coalition March Rally in Los Angeles Draws 75,000 (tags)
- Amnesty Now! Full Rights for All Immigrants, Now! With these resounding chants, more than 75,000 immigrants and immigrant rights advocates under the banner of the April 7 Coalition marched and rallied for full rights for all immigrants last Saturday, April 7, 2007, in Los Angeles. Unlike the disparate and fewer numbers of mobilized activities last March 25, 2007, the April 7 Coalition march for full rights for all immigrants became one of the largest to be held in Los Angeles after May 1, 2006. This brings a new momentum for the immigrant rights movement in California. The conservative L.A Times estimated the crowd as 10,000 while the Latino Channel 34 estimate of the crowd was 50,000.
JFAV Bataan Day Commemoration, April 9, 2007 in Los Angeles (tags)
Remember Bataan!” This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942. Today, after 65 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day on April 9, 2007 at 9:00 A.M with simple commemorative rites that will highlighted by the blessing of the memorial monument and wreath laying at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.
“Equity Bill To Be Passed by June 30, 2007”—Filner (tags)
“I wished we could to pass the Equity Bill by April 9, (on Bataan Day,) but we did not make it, I think, we can pass the Equity Bill by June 30.” This was the direct answer of Representative Bob Filner (CA- 51) of San Diego and the Chairman of the Committee on veterans Affairs to the question of JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia when will Congress pass the equity bill during the Q and A portion of the Forum on Veterans Affair Issue. The forum was held last Monday, April 2 at the American Legion Post 206 in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Congressman Filner also reported “that the appropriations are assured for the equity bill if it passes Congress before the year ends ” because the lower house have passed or earmarked more than $ 13.6 B appropriations for the veterans funding this fiscal year.
AJLPP-USA Nationwide Mobilization for March 17 -18 Protests in Four Major US Cities (tags)
The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP), an alliance of Filipino American and allied solidarity organizations working for peace and justice, anti-war and racism in the United States and a member of the ANSWER Coalition will mobilize for the nationwide mass protests against the 4th year of the U.S Invasion and Occupation of Iraq and the 40th anniversary of the people’s march in Pentagon. March 1967 at the height of the US War in Vietnam. Los Angeles and Washington DC will be the focus of the anti-war mobilizations on March 17 while Seattle and San Francisco will mobilize tens of thousands of the anti-war protestors on March 18. AJLPP will be present on the four major cities mobilization against the war and racism both in the east and the west coast.
People’s CORE-CDIR: ALL-OUT For the May 1 Great American Boycott! Dare to Struggle, (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR) – People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) calls on all immigrants and advocates to go all-out on Monday, May 1, 2006 International Workers Day for the Great American Boycott! Join the Boycott March/ Rally at Olympic at Broadway on May 1 at 12;00 PM to City Hall. “Full rights for Immigrants! Amnesty for all TNT’s and Undocumented Workers! Legalization Now!”