Duterte's Strike Against the US Empire (tags)
Commentary on western news media's demonizing of President Duterte and the rub-out of history of US imperialism.
Philippines: Erap Estrada endorses leftist leader Neri Colmenares for senator (tags)
MANILA, Philippines – Former President now Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada on Wednesday, September 30, endorsed leftist congressman Neri Colmenares for Philippine senator in the 2016 elections.
Tribute to Comrade Leoncio Pitao (Commander Parago) (tags)
I join the Filipino people, the people’s revolutionary government, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the revolutionary mass organizations and other revolutionary forces in mourning the death of Comrade Leoncio Pitao (Commander Parago) and in celebrating his achievements from the time he joined the NPA in 1978 until his martyrdom yesterday on June 28, 2015.
NEW BOOKS BY FILIPINO SCHOLAR E. SAN JUAN Jr. (tags)
U.S. based scholar E San Juan, Jr. published two recent books of interest to Filipinos, Fil-Americans and readers/speakers of Filipino, the national language of the Philippines dealing with African-American involvement in the Philippine revolution, OFWs, women's liberation, cultural politics in the Philippines, etc.
Philippine Women's Group Gabriela blast President Aquino (tags)
A WOMEN’S group on Thursday criticized President Benigno Aquino III for comparing her mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, to Gabriela Silang, the first Filipino woman revolutionary leader.
Philippines: The fate of peace in Mindanao hangs in the balance (tags)
Akbayan statement on the video of killing of injured SAF trooper
Prof Lim's review of E. San Juan's radical interpretation of Rizal in SISA'S VENGEANCE (amazon.com) focuses on Rizal's view of women as actual/potential agencies in the national liberation struggle of the Philippines from Spanish colonialism and U.S. imperialism. Dec. 30 marks the anniversary of Rizal's execution by the Spanish colonial govt., making him the national hero of the Filipino people.
NEW INTERVENTION BY FILIPINO WRITER IN FILIPINO (tags)
A new avant-garde, innovative book of poems and neoconceptualist writing/artwork has been launched. AMBIL, by E. San Juan, Jr., gathers the most recent lliterary and art-work by the US-based Filipino writer, critic and public intellectual.
REMEMBERING CARLOS BULOSAN (tags)
A re-assessment of Carlos Bulosan's life and works in the context of his birth anniversary this November and Filipino-American Month.
RE-VISITING CARLOS BULOSAN (tags)
Reviewing Carlos Bulosan's life and work in commemoration of his birth anniversary November 1911.
Philippines: Akbayan and Santiago file joint resolution to terminate VFA (tags)
Akbayan Representative Walden Bello and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago today close ranks as they call for the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) saying it is being used to shield US military personnel from Philippine laws for violations and criminal offenses done on Philippine soil.
Philippines: Charter change and foreign ownership of land not solution to development (tags)
As plenary debates on House Joint Congressional Resolution No. 1, amending the economic provisions of the 1986 Constitution, began today, Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello challenged proponents of the resolution to admit that foreign ownership of land is among the main objectives of the proposal.
REMEMBERING JOSE RIZAL AND SISA, THE ANTI-POSTCOLONIAL DIFFEREND (tags)
June 19 this year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal's birthday. In Nov 1884, Rizal joined mass demonstrations in Madrid to protest the government's repressive policies. He wrote to his family:"Filipinos are dishonored, entrapped, debased, opposed and tyrannized," so he had to disguise himself three times. The following review centers on Rizal's ideas and Sisa, the character in Rizal's novel, who symbolizes the "wretched of the earth," discussed in E. San Juan's book, SISA'S VENGEANCE (available at amazon.com & createspace).
Philippines: Freedom from Corruption and Plunder on Independence Day (tags)
On Independence Day, we call upon all Filipinos to take a stand and take back what is rightfully ours.
Celebrate the RH victory in the Philippines, continue the struggle (tags)
On the Supreme Court decision declaring the Reproductive Health Law constitutional
The need for United Front in the Filipino People’s Democratic Revolution (tags)
The Filipino people’s democratic revolution constantly needs the revolutionary united front because this is the effective way to arouse, organize and mobilize the broad masses of the Filipino people in their millions in order to advance and win total victory. The need for the united front is more urgent than ever as the socio-economic and political crisis is rapidly worsening and inflicting intolerable suffering on the Filipino people and they must intensify their struggle against those who exploit and oppress them.
Message to the 10th General Assembly of Salinlahi Alliance for Children's Concerns (tags)
The Special Office for the Protection of Children of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) extends warm congratulations to Salinlahi Alliance for Children's Concerns on the occasion of your 10th General Assembly on 14-16 October 2013.
SAN FRANCISCO: HANDS OFF SYRIA! (tags)
People gathered here on an unusually hot day-for SF- to rally and march in opposition to US plans to stage military attacks on Syria.
Filipinos in LA join global protest vs China (tags)
LOS ANGELES – On July 24, Filipinos in Los Angeles trooped to the Chinese Consulate offices in Shatto Place in Koreatown to protest the China’s aggression in the heated West Philippine Sea/South China Sea territorial dispute.
Philippines: 25,000 Workers March to Mendiola on Labor Day (tags)
Chiding President Aquino’s pronouncement that Labor Day should be celebratory with both labor and capitalists greeting each other for “doing a good job” for the past year, workers renewed the call for government to create “not just jobs” but “more regular jobs with living wage.”
Philippine Supreme Court asked to lift TRO on Reproductive Health law (tags)
Akbayan Partylist would like to express its extreme disappointment over the Supreme Court's decision to issue a status quo ante order against the Reproductive Health (RH) Law for a period of four months.
Philippine Leftists launch election campaign to take on traditional politicians (tags)
At a one-day assembly of more than 500 delegates on November 28, the militant socialist Party of the Laboring Masses (PLM - Partido Lakas ng Masa) introduced its candidates for national elections scheduled for May 13 next year.
Justice served with stiff penalties against fraudulent teacher recruiter (tags)
We, members of the Filipino community and different Filipino-American groups here in the US, extend our congratulations to the hundreds of Filipino teachers for their victorious struggle against their deceitful recruitment agency Universal Placement Inc. (UPI) and its owner Lourdes Navarro. We are happy that after four years of brave and sustained efforts on different fronts and winning different battles along the way, the case has reached the federal court which found these defendants liable for engaging in fraudulent practices.
RH victory in Philippine Congress, a historic leap forward for women (tags)
Akbayan Party-list joins the Filipino people in celebrating our historic victory in the passage of the Reproductive Health bill in the second reading of the House of Representatives. Through Representatives Walden Bello and Kaka Bag-ao, Akbayan reiterated the voice of the people when it voted for life, choice, and reproductive health rights. We join the people in enjoying the fruit of more than a decade of struggle—a long and arduous journey towards the enactment of a law that will uphold and safeguard their right to a better future. Finally, after years of perseverance, the people have emerged triumphant.
Message of Solidarity to Gabriela Women's Party on its 11th Congress (tags)
We, the International League of Peoples´ Struggle (ILPS), express our warmest greetings of solidarity to GABRIELA as you hold your 11th National Congress and celebrate your 28th year of activism and service to the Filipino women and the Filipino people in the struggle for national freedom and democracy.
Let us celebrate the NDFP's Declaration on Children of the Philippines (tags)
The leadership and entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), all Red commanders and fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations welcome the issuance by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) of the Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection and Welfare of Children.
ALL SET FOR NOVEMBER 11 12th JFAV PROTEST MARCH/RALLY IN HOLLYWOOD (tags)
They Served, they Deserved Benefits.” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and its allied organizations announced that they are all set for the biggest demonstration, the 12th JFAV Protest March/Rally in the entertainment capital of the world-Hollywood on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 12;00 noo at Holywood and Vine intersection. For the first time, the JFAV march and rally in Hollywood and not in front of the Federal building in Downtown LA. as it usually does since 1997. Arturo Garcia, JFAV National coordinator explained the rationale for the change in venue : “ The Federal Building in downtown LA is usually closed for the November 11 holiday so all the rallies there are symbolical. Now we will bring it to the eyes entire world an not an empty edifice.” After the post-election victory of re-elected President, the JFAV wrote an appeal and demand letter asking the president to issue an executive order for full recognition of 43,000 Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors who for more than 66 years were still unrecognized American veterans. Post Obama Election Protest Rally The JFAV stopped the lobby on the US Congress for HR 210 after the GOP controlled House of Representatives refused JFAV a hearing on HR 210 at the House Veterans Affairs Committee last August 2012 even with 96 co-sponsors for the bill.
Appeal for Executive Order for Full Recognition of Filipino WW II Veterans (tags)
“Everybody should play by the same rule.” Mr. President, we appeal to you for Executive Order for Full Recognition of Filipino WW II V... eterans . We are the Filipino WW II veterans and their widows who have defended this nation and decisively won a war to keep Americans safe. Yet, to this day we have to fight for the basic right of full recognition of our US military service. This year, the US Congress due to direct opposition of the Republican leadership has failed to approve an equity bill that would have reversed chronic injustice and racial discrimination. We appeal that as we bring the fight to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on November 5, 2012 , that you issue an Executive Order to provide full recognition to the Filipino WW II veterans as full American veterans.
The Marcos’ Legacy of Fraudulent and Illegitimate Debts (tags)
AS THE NATION remembers today the declaration of Martial Law and the imposition of the Marcos fascist dictatorship 40 years ago — we recall not only the crimes and abuses, but the valiant struggles of our people to end the tyrannical regime.
NDFP adopts program to protect children during armed conflict in the Philippines (tags)
Aside from coming out with its program of action for the protection of children, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines announced that it will establish a Special Office for the Protection of Children to strengthen its mechanisms on monitoring and defending the rights of Filipino children.
Filipinos Farewell Comrade Jesse Robredo (tags)
Akbayan Party joins the Filipino people in mourning the passing of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo. The nation just lost a genuine servant of the people. His tragic death is a tremendous loss for our country’s campaign to reform the government.
Uphold and protect the rights of Filipino children (tags)
Let us celebrate the NDFP's Declaration on Children. The leadership and entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), all Red commanders and fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations welcome the issuance by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) of the Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection and Welfare of Children.
Global May 11 protest vs 'China encroachment' on Philippine territory (tags)
MANILA, Philippines – Organizers of a multi-country protest against Chinese encroachment on Philippine territory are vowing to gather tens of thousands on May 11 in Manila alone, as they announced a roster of prominent Filipino personalities that they said have already pledged to show up in the rallies.
CPP joins Filipino women in marking International Women's Day with protests (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today expressed support and solidarity with the Filipino women in marking the 98th anniversary of International Women’s Day with mass protests against oil price increases and intensifying American military intervention.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul, 90 Congress Leaders Supports Equity of Filipino WW II Vets (tags)
A week after the Bataan Day celebration, lobbyists will visit the US Congress the second time in a month’s time to press for sub-committee hearing on HR 210, “The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011,” which will provide full recognition to the US military services of the remaining 50,000 Filipino WW II veterans and full benefits to the veterans, widows, and their families. Lobbyists find inspiration in Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a war veteran himself and Republican presidential candidate who openly endorsed the bill in a public rally in Nevada. “We are pleased to announce Ron Paul’s unwavering legacy of supporting veterans by announcing he will support and co-sponsor HR 210,” said John Tate, national campaign manager. “HR 210 provides a small thank you for an enormous debt of gratitude owed the Philippines and America’s most heroic individuals.”
Open Letter to General Delfin Lorenzana, OVA. (tags)
Dear General, I have been informed by the JFAV in San Francisco the following concerning the WW ll Filipino Vets again today. The Embassy is only supporting appeals that were filed and not all the 24,000 that did not file appeals, after filing claims. I was quite surprised to hear this since the VA and NPRC have made it clear they will not accept any Philippine documents as proof of service and nothing has been reviewed with western leaders as to an agreement for all that have been denied. If it is true I would like to request a SUMMIT of the western states leadership area concerning this decision since all the input appears to have come from DC based sources to develop this policy and no request for input was asked or even put forth to get suggestions from the Filipino-American Veterans of America & Families who are fighting for denied veterans here in this state and California.
70th Bataan Day, A USAFFE Scout Remembers (tags)
he ALLIANCE NEWS reported today, on the 70th year of Bataan Day, that Sergeant Dominador Figuracion, 92, begged off from talking about the Fall of Bataan to the Japanese Imperial Army on April 9, 1942, and how he and some 70,000 Filipino and American soldiers had been forced to march to a concentration camp in Tarlac. Around 7,000 to 10,000 soldiers perished during the Death March. About 26,000 of the 50,000 Filipino prisoners of war at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac died of dengue, malaria, dysentery or starvation when this was closed in January 1943, according to historical accounts.
JFAV 70th Bataan Day Benefit Dance-Dinner at FACLA, April 9, 2012 (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Honor our Heroes!” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Seniors for Filipino American Community Empowerment (S4PACE) ,surviving the Filipino veterans especially the defenders of Bataan and their advocates will hold a commemoration of the 70th Bataan Day, on Monday, April 9, 2012 at FACLA Social Hall ,1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 5:00 PM. The event dubbed as “ Gabi ng Kasaysayan at Kasiyahan”.—a dinner dance party is a fundraiser of JFAV for its delegation that will lobby at the US Congress from April 16-18, 2012 in Washington DC.
Filipino Women March against US Military Expansion in the Philippines and the Pacific (tags)
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2012, we, Filipino women declare in strongest terms possible, our opposition not only to increased presence but to U.S. military presence per se on Philippine soil.
RON PAUL SUPPORTS HR 210, FILVETS (tags)
Republican presidential candidate and Texan congressman Ron Paul showed his support for HR 210 and Pilipino veterans last week with a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. HR 210, also known as the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011, was introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) in January of last year as a way to provide equal benefits to Philippine soldiers that fought alongside the United States during World War II. Though the bill has 87 co-sponsors, both the House of Representatives and the Senate have yet to make any votes to pass or veto the proposal.
ALLIANCE PHILIPPINES MARKS 113th Year Start of Filipino- American War (tags)
The Alliance Philippines marks 113 years ago, on February 4, 1899, the Philippine-American War (1899-1914) broke –out. Today we gather in protest and militant solidarity in almost 60 cities and several cities all over the world to condemn the US threat of war against Iran. The Filipino-American War begun by a United States sentry who shoots and kills a Filipino soldier making an attempt to cross the bridge in Sta. Mesa, Manila on February 4, 1899. This war deliberately provoked and started to legitimize America's colonial design to acquire Spanish colonies, the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the turn of the century. This is the same way that the US is going to provoke a war in Iran. The same way it use the sinking of the Maine in 1898, the Luisitania in 1916, the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Tonkin Gulf Crisis in the 60's and the 9/11 incident to attack Afghanistan and Iraq.
On MLK Day, Dedicate Ourselves for the Final Struggle for Justice and Equality (tags)
–“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” As we marked and remember the struggle and victories of Martin Luther King Jr. today, we in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) do not only remember him in marches and rallies but in a tribute to dedicate ourselves for the final struggle for Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors final struggle for justice and against racism and discrimination. The testament that the struggle of MLK is vibrantly alive is that a sizeable majority of California US Representatives co-sponsor the equity bill for Filipino WW II vets, came from the Black Caucus . They are the worthy followers of MLK. Most famous of them of them is Rep. Lewis of Georgia who marched with MLK during the civil rights movement.
Akbayan Youth Supports Occupy Wall Street Movement (tags)
Akbayan Youth applauds and supports Americans who have decided to occupy various centers of corporate greed in America, most notably Wall Street in New York. They represent the voices of poor and middle class Americans – 99% of American society – who demand that corporations shoulder the burden of salvaging the economy. We view the spontaneous and peaceful actions in New York, Boston, Washington D.C. and other major cities as an inspirations for our own struggles in the Philippines.
On the 70th Year of Pearl Harbor Day, Filipino Veterans Reclaim Their Dignity As American (tags)
Remember Pearl Harbor! On December 8th, Filipino WW II veterans and widows marched to the offices of Senators Boxer in San Diego and Los Angeles, and Feinstein in San Francisco in support of simultaneous talks in their DC offices. Lobbyists will ask both Senators to co-introduce a companion bill to HR 210 “The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011.” In Los Angeles, six delegates from JFAV led by its National Coordinator Arturo Garcia and S4PACE Vice presiden Jovy Alejandrino met with Rafi Nazarians, District head of Senator Boxer's office at 312 Spring St.Los Angeles, CA 90012 at around 9AM. In Washington DC, Atty. Arnedo Valera met with Ryan O'Reilly, military Legislative fellow of Senator Boxer at Hart Senate building while JFAV San Francisco leaders Ago Pedalizo and Violy Reyes,met with Senator Feinstein staff in her San Francisco office.
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.
Filipino WW II Vets to Sen. Inouye: “We are American veterans, not political beggars.” (tags)
At a national phone conference, 50 Filipino WW II veterans and widows respond publicly to Inouye’s letter and denial of support for full equity of benefits of Filipinos as their American counterparts. “American veterans must be honored completely for their valor and heroism, and must not be pacified by partial benefits and partial recognitions, which in the words of Senator Daniel Inouye are “better than nothing,” says Felino Punsalan, a stenographer and interpreter to an American Commander during the war, and was denied of the lump sum compensation and monthly pensions.
MARCH FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE AND PEACE!” ON 11ITH JFAV VETERANS DAY ON 11/11/11 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and different community, youth, students, and allied groups are all the 11th Annual Veterans Day Protest March called “March for Equity, Justice and Peace” in Los Angeles on Friday, November 11, 2011. The protest march will start at 11:00 in the morning at the Downtown LA intersection of Broadway/Olympic and end at the INS Federal Building, 300 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. There will be a JFAV last assessment meeting on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 pm at the Silver Lake Medical Center (SLMC) at the Cafeteria Meeting Room, ground floor, 1711 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. All interested groups are invited. Pre-Rally Program The JFAV forces will assemble and hold a pre-rally program at 8:00 in the morning at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Julie and I wish to convey our most heartfelt condolences to the daughters and entire family of Comrade Gregorio Rosal, Ka Roger, and to all cadres and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, all the Red commanders and fighters of the New People?s Army, all adherents of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the broad masses of the Filipino people.
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.
FAV ON THE ?DEBT CEILING? DRAMA AND ?COMPROMISE? IN THE US CONGRESS (tags)
? The Dark Days of August Spreads its Gloom.? The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and its allied organizations is appalled by the so ?called ?debt ceiling crisis? drama and its compromise solution that did not tax the rich but passed the burden to the working poor of this nation. The JFAV is alarmed due to the fact, the bill speaks not of cutting ?defense spending? but ?security spending,? which includes the Department of Veterans Affairs. (DVA) Instead of scaling back the forces of war, repression and domestic surveillance, these ?security? cuts may easily be aimed at veterans' health care and retirement benefits.
Statement On the Plight of Filipino Teachers of Maryland?s PGCPS (tags)
Lured by the American dream, non-immigrant workers here in the US have been subjected to different forms of exploitation, manipulation and abuse. The complexities of the recruitment process are being taken advantage of by placement agencies and sometimes with the collaboration of representatives of US employers. Oftentimes foreign workers leave their country deep in debt in raising money needed to cover for exorbitant placement and other fees.
PHILIPPINES: The Rough and Rugged Road toward Change (tags)
Akbayan Party?s Statement on the First Year of the Aquino Government
JFAV SEND KUDOS FOR DFA SECRETARY DEL ROSARIO (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) based in the United States lauded the action of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who has asked the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to reconsider the cases of Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans who were denied benefits under a recently passed US law.
Millions of youth are needed in the Philippine people's democratic revolution (tags)
More than ever, it is imperative that millions upon millions of youth be mobilized to take action in solidarity with the entire Filipino people.
REMEMBER AND COMMEMORATE THE VICTORY AT THE BATTLE OF BESSANG PASS, 1945 (tags)
On June 14, 1945, one of the greatest battle of World War II ended in a victory for the Filipino and American soldiers in Bessang Pass, in the Cordilleras Northern Luzon, Philippines. Before the light of day, on June 14, 1945, units of the 121st Infantry launched the final assault of Bucual Ridge, In dramatic but costly rushes they obliterated the last enemy soldier on Bessang Pass. To the end with flourish, the greatest feat of Filipino arms in modern times, the Filipinos secured the hill held by the Japanese Imperial army. It was a payback for the defeat in Bataan, three years ago. Presidential Citation No higher honors can be bestowed on the heroes of the battle of Bessang Pass , who avenged the defeat of Bataan and Corregidor than the tribute of President Elpidio Quirino in 1952 to the United States Forces in Northern Luzon (USFIP-NL) during the 7th anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass: ?To win the liberation of Northen Luzon in which the USFIP-NL played a a major role, you accomplished no ordinary achievement. Your battle of bessang Pass in eastern ilocos Sur in n1945, for instance stands out prominently as one of the major decisive battles of the Philippine Liberation Campaign.?
JOSE RIZAL & PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY (tags)
JUNE 12, marking the independence of the Philippines from the Spanish empire, would not have been realized without the martyrdom of countless Filipinos foremost of whom is Jose Rizal. Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Katipunan rebellion, honored Rizal's memory by using his name as a shibboleth. But the neocolonial politicians today have only fulfilled Rizal's nightmare that the slaves of yesterday will be the tyrants of today. This essay pays homage to Rizal on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
JFAV SUPPORTS AMVETS/ACLU CLASS SUIT VS DVA (tags)
-The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) wholeheartedly supports the class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of four homeless veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other ailments, the ACLU claims that the department is violating the property's deed by not providing the combination of housing and treatment that battle-scarred vets need. According to the LA Times: ? The lawsuit is just the latest attempt by advocates for homeless vets to light a fire under the federal government. ?The JFAV also filed a lawsuit against the DVA for denying more than 27,00 Filipino World War II veterans of their lump sum claims and their widows last year.
Filipino WW II Vets/Widows Ask for Apology from Obama and US Congress (tags)
A day after the Memorial Day marked by flags and parades, Filipino WW II vets and widows vow to demand a formal public apology from President Barack Obama and the US Congress for 65 years of abandonment, racial discrimination and injustice. ?We deserve full recognition and full compensation. But the wounds of long years of humiliation as second-class American veterans will never completely heal until the US government asks for apology,? says Felino Punsalan, who celebrates 93rd birthday today, without any lump-sum, much less monthly pension, nor any signs that he would be recognized soon as an American veteran. Vets and their families ask California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma to introduce a separate bill demanding for apology. Ma previously sponsored bills supporting HR 210, ?The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011,? and the inclusion of the Filipino WW vets in the social studies curriculum of schools in California.
SAN FRANCISCO BOARD APPROVES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HR 210 (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) today announced that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act or the HR 210 sponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier last May 19, 2011 The resolution stated that the Board ? fully supports and urges the passage of the said legislation. In an effort to bring some measure of justice for the Filipino Veterans who fought valiantly with the US military in World War II.? The Board also ? directs the clerk of the board to send a copy to minority floor leader Rep.Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jackie Speier of the House of Representatives.?
PHILIPPINES: Employers win again: P22 COLA too little, too late (tags)
?If the objective is to increase the capacity of workers and their families to weather economic woes, an increase of P22 a day at this point is simply too little, too late,? Akbayan Representative Walden Bello said on Tuesday morning following the announcement of a P22-increase in minimum wage earners? cost of living allowance (COLA).
Marcos is not a hero! Protest the plan to make him one! (tags)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS is not a hero to the Filipino people. His martial law regime sent hundreds of thousands to jail, made people 'desaparecidos' because of their political beliefs. He is now being elevated to become a "hero" and plans are afoot by his families and allies to have him interred in Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of Heroes).
World March of Women in the Philippines (tags)
Today, women in the Philippines and all over the world gather in different places and spaces to show our collective strength and make our collective voice heard as we speak out our sufferings, challenges, triumphs and aspirations. Our voices are joined together as we resist the abuses and marginalization wrought upon us by economic policies that discriminate against giving women productive employment, just wages and benefits at the workplace, and opportunities for livelihood and income; by societies that allow, or even promote, violence to be committed against women with impunity; by governments and public institutions that turn a blind eye to the human rights of women.
Commander Faustino " Peping' Baclig, 1922-2011 (tags)
It is with deep sadness that the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) announced today that Commander Faustino "Peping" Baclig, founder/chair of Alyansa ng Komunidad, JFAV , Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE)-Los Angeles, Golden Agers (GALA) , Seniors for PACE and the pillar of the Filipino World War II veterans movement in the United States, passed away today at 3:00 am, February 27, 2011. He was 89 years old.He was born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on February 14, 1922 and died on February 27, 2011.
REP. SPEIER FILED FILIPINO VETERANS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2011 (tags)
Rep. Jackie Speier on Thursday introduced a bill in Congress that seeks to make Filipino veterans of World War II eligible for the same benefits available to U.S. veterans. Speier held a news conference in San Mateo Monday to outline the bill, which has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “It gives full benefits to every Filipino who served in World War II,” Speier said, estimating that approximately 50,000 Filipino soldiers survive.
Pinoy Harvard grad facing deportation released (tags)
Mark Farrales, a Filipino- American detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly being an illegal immigrant has been released. According to EPCC NEWS based in Los Angeles, In a phone interview with ABS-CBN North America News Bureau, ICE said they granted a "deferred action" to Mark Farrales for one year to afford him "additional time to pursue his options." Farrales, 31, was detained at the Mira Loma Detention Center in Lancaster, California last October. Farrales's supporters in the Filipino-American community were happy about his release. The online petition against the deportation of Farrales was started by University of California San Diego students where Farrales is getting a doctorate degree. Filipino organizations in LA’s Historic Filipinotown joined this effort. This is the place where Farrales grew up and graduated valedictorian of his high school class.
Pinoy Harvard grad facing deportation released (tags)
A Filipino Harvard graduate detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly being an illegal immigrant has been released. In a phone interview with ABS-CBN North America News Bureau, ICE said they granted a "deferred action" to Mark Farrales for one year to afford him "additional time to pursue his options." Farrales, 31, was detained at the Mira Loma Detention Center in Lancaster, California last October. Farrales's supporters in the Filipino-American community were happy about his release.
2011: Another bleak year for the workers in the Philippines (tags)
2011: Another bleak year for the workers, militant labor leaders lamented in a breakfast forum
On the 69th Pearl Harbor Day, Fight Racism in the United States (tags)
The Day that will live in infamy” Today, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), AWARE and MHC marks the 69th year of the infamous Japanese fascist sneak attack on Pearl Harbor naval base in December 08, 1941 ( in the Philippines, Dec.7 Pacific Time). The public should know, that at that time the attack coincided with the bombing of the major cities of the Philippines and two days later, the Japanese invaded the country and the Philippines was involved in a colonial war not of its choosing. JFAV with People's CORE marked the day with a memorial meeting yesterday in FACLA with a private ceremonies and meeting. Scores of Filipino World War II veterans, widows and relatives as well as advocates attended the memorial.
FILVET WIDOWS PRESS RIGHTS, BACK LAWSUITS (tags)
The lawsuits were borne out of the deep frustration, anger and longing of veterans and families to seek recognition and justice. The US Congress failed to deliver justice and so people have the right to seek the power of the courts to tell Congress to do its job.” That was the response sent by three veterans groups to this writer’s blog last Nov. 17 that discussed the repercussions of lawsuits filed by Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and supporters on Capitol Hill. The rejoinder bore the names of Dolly Castillo, Coordinator of the Filipino-American WWII Veterans’ Widows of Washington in Seattle, WA; Maria Galang, President of the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in San Francisco, CA; and Jovy Alejandrino, Vice President of the Senior Pilipino-Americans for Community Empowerment (SPACE) in Los Angeles, CA.
JFAV LAUDS NEW NAFFAA CHAIR AND REDIRECTED ADVOCACY GOALS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of Filipino World War II veterans, widows and their relatives, youth and students and community advocates and their allied organizations welcomes the a new face in Filipino-American leadership in the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NAFFAA). JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia, in a statement after Thanksgiving Day, expressed great hope that after the Midwest region’s Michigan-based Ed Navarra became the new chair of the disintegrating national organization, things will become better for the the prime national organizations of Filipino-Americans in the United States. Garcia said, “JFAV is elated at Navarra’s statement that he wants to fight for more benefits for the Filipino World War II veterans who are dwindling in numbers.” JFAV pointed out the fact that out of the more than 46,000 war veterans who applied for lump sum claims, around 22,000 were denied by the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
JFAV Updates November 29, 2010 FILVET WIDOWS PRESS RIGHTS, BACK LAWSUITS (tags)
“The lawsuits were borne out of the deep frustration, anger and longing of veterans and families to seek recognition and justice. The US Congress failed to deliver justice and so people have the right to seek the power of the courts to tell Congress to do its job.” That was the response sent by three veterans groups to this writer’s blog last Nov. 17 that discussed the repercussions of lawsuits filed by Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and supporters on Capitol Hill. The rejoinder bore the names of Dolly Castillo, Coordinator of the Filipino-American WWII Veterans’ Widows of Washington in Seattle, WA; Maria Galang, President of the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in San Francisco, CA; and Jovy Alejandrino, Vice President of the Senior Pilipino-Americans for Community Empowerment (SPACE) in Los Angeles, CA. In our blog, we reported how some key supporters on Capitol Hill, principally Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, chairman of the influential appropriations committee, were hurt by the lawsuits that appeared to criticize shortcomings in the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) bill which provided a single lump-sum payment for surviving veterans here and in the Philippines.
HUNDREDS MARCHED FOR JUSTICE,EQUITY AND PEACE ON VETERANS DAY IN LA (tags)
The 3-mile long march began at around 10;45 Am. With the student groups like Kappa Psi Epsilon, Chi Rho , XPO, TBD, Samahang Pilipino at UCLA, Kababayan of UC Irvine. Katipunan UC Riverside, CalPoly BARKADA, FASA from CSUN, Long Beach PAC, San Marcos, Andres Bonifacio Samahan from San Diego,SDSU to mention a few leading the way. They were joined by student activist groups from Pro People Youth KMB, ANSWER-LA, BANTAY PILIPINAS-USA, EPCC, AJLPP, the EFJPP while ve veterans and widows from the Society of Guerilla and Scouts (SGS), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV), VFP-UC Chapter, AWARE-LA, Seniors for PACE (SPACE ) rode in the vehicles. Big streamers calling for recognition, justice and equity as well as immigrant rights were very prominent. Filipino, AJLPP and KMB flags flew high and proud during the march. The youth and advocates shouted slogans all the way.
ON NOV.11 IN LA: MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! (tags)
MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! Everbody is ready for the Ninth Veterans Day Protest March next Thursday, November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) still calls on all community organizations, school and youth organizations in Southern California; advocates of justice and peace, veterans groups, widows and relatives of veterans to join the protest march to downtown Federal building on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010. The assembly area is at Search to Involve the Filipino Americans (SIPA), 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 9;00 AM. The march route will be from Temple St right at Glendale to 2nd St to downtown Federal building at 300 Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The march will start at 10:30 AM.
ALL SET FOR THE 9th VETERANS DAY MARCH, NOV.11 IN LA: MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE (tags)
MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! All is set for the Ninth Veterans Day Protest March next Thursday, November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles! We in JFAV calls on all community organizations, school and youth organizations in Southern California; advocates, veterans groups, widows and relatives of veterans to join the protest march to downtown Federal building on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010. The assembly area is at Search to Involve the Filipino Americans (SIPA) at 9;00 Am and the march route will be from Temple St right at Glendale to 2nd St to downtown Federal building. The march will start at 10;30 AM.
JFAV MARKS 66th LEYTE LANDING OCT 20, 1944 , NATIOWIDE WIDE (tags)
Instead of the traditional ceremonies, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marked the 66th year of the Leyte Landing, October 20, 1944 with a flurry of activities. - In the Pacific Northwest, in Seattle, Washington, veterans and widows marked the date with a series of meetings with the lawyers and advocates –The Filipino Lawyers of Washington (FLOW) ANSWER-Seattle and the Veterans for Peace. On October 22, more than 300 participated with the meeting with Congressman Mcdermmot. Widows, veterans and lawyers were present in the meeting and expressed support for the civil suit filed by JFAV in San Francisco last October 8, 2010
EPCC NEWS October 18, 2010 RP NURSES JOBS ON THE DECLINE IN THE US Los Angeles- The EPCC (tags)
The EPCC NEWS Reported today that number of Filipino nurses aspiring to practice their profession in the United States continued to drop year-on-year in the third quarter, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said over the weekend. In a news release, TUCP secretary-general and former senator Ernesto Herrera said only 2,227 Filipino nurses took the US NCLEX for the first time from July to September, down 38 percent or 1,355 fewer compared to the 3,582 in the same three-month period in 2009.
Night with Jose Rizal, October 16 in LA (tags)
"Isang Gabi ni Rizal". Bantay Pilipinas- USA will. again venture into another ground breaking event - a multi media celebration of the heroism and artistry of the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on October 16, 2010 This will be held at the East West Players in the heart of Los Angeles' Little Tokyo -at the East West Players (EWP) Theater, 120 Judge Aiso St. Los Angeles, CA, 90012 "Isang Gabi ni Rizal" will feature a full reception replete with chamber music, wine table, verses from Rizal's work, exhibition of paintings by U.S. based Filipino artists, books and Rizal inspired publications and a sumptuous Filipino style light buffet.
Honor our Heroes, Celebrate their Greatness on Aug. 30 at SIPA (tags)
Honor our Heroes, Celebrate their Greatness The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Search to Involve the Pilipino Americans (SIPA) cordially invite the public for their very first Philippine National Heroes Day Celebration in the United States on Monday, August 30, 2010. The commemorative event will be held on Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) Community Hall, 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 around 6;30 PM.
Filipino teachers in US file class suit vs oppressive recruiters (tags)
Filipino migrant teachers in Louisiana today (August 5, US Central Time) filed a class lawsuit against Universal Placement International (UPI) and its Philippine based partner, PARS International for various offenses ranging from racketeering, human trafficking, extortion and mail and wire fraud.
P3.1B ( $ 67 M) more for Filipino war vets (tags)
The EPCC NEWS based in Los Angeles learned through media sources in Manila that the United States has allocated $67 million (about P3.1 billion) for all eligible Filipino veterans of World War II whose claims for compensation were turned down and successfully appealed, it was learned Monday. House Resolution 4899, or the Supplemental Appropriations Act, included a provision for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Program. On July 29, 2010, US President Barack Obama signed HR 4899 into law. Most veterans' claims have been decided and continue to be paid with the $198 million in original funding.
San Mateo Congresswoman Speier to Introduce New Equity Bill (tags)
In an effort to keep the fight for full equity alive, Filipino veterans and their advocates met with United States Congresswoman Jackie Speier in her San Mateo office last Friday. After the meeting, the veterans and their advocates felt they found a champion in Speier, a Democrat running for reelection in California’s 12th District. In an exclusive interview with Balitang America, Speier said, “In January of next year, if I’m reelected, I’m going to introduce a bill that would give all Filipino veterans from World War II the same equal rights for benefits. That means the veterans will receive pensions and their widows and heirs will receive these benefits should they pass away.”
LETTER TO REP. SPEIER, 12 D-CA (tags)
Thank you for your public announcement of your support for equity! I would like to properly address your questions during our meeting last Friday, July 16th in your district office in my attempt to further elucidate the case of equity for Filipinos and provide an educational tool for your fellow legislators and the American public as we further gather support now for your anticipated sponsorship of a bill on January of 2011.
The La Naval De Manila, 1646 (tags)
For Filipino-Americans who are not religious and those who want to know about the “ La Naval De Manila”, we refer to when Spain dueled the Netherlands in the World Cup last July 10, 2010 in South Africa,we have to tell the story of the Battle in Manila Bay in 1646. This is not to glorify our colonial legacy as some Filipino Americans do in their PCN Nights, but this is also to honor the prowess of Filipino seamen who manned the Spanish ships. Until today, the Philippines is the country in the world that sends a lot of seamen into the different oceans. This is also to add to the much glorified pirates story about the Carribean. Shame of Johnny Depp for not including the Filipino pirates and their battles in his films!.
Philippine Situation After the 2010 Elections (tags)
We are here today because Benigno Aquino III was elected president of the Philippines. He has promised to bring CHANGE to the Philippine government, eliminate corruption, fix the education system, improve health care, improve the economy and provide housing for all Filipinos. He has said that he is the president because the people believed in HOPE. Does this sound familiar? The Reality of the history in the Islands: Economic Crisis The Reality of the Philippines is that the islands are still ruled by US imperialism, and run by its Filipino puppets. Aquino has assembled an economic team from the same breed of pro-imperialist pro neoliberlization economists who have dominated economic policy-making in the Philippines for the past three decades. Some of whom have even served the US arroyo regime.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS (JFAV) MEET W/ Congressman Bob Filner Share (tags)
A group of Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) met with Congressman Bob Filner, ( D-51st District) ,head of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in a legislative visit in his Chula Vista office today at 9:00 AM, July 09, 2010. The San Diego and Los Angeles group headed by JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia and San Diego JFAV representation met with Congressman Filner and his Filipino deputy Manny Doria for fifteen minutes. The JFAV organization updated Rep. Filner on the present situation of 16,000 Filipino veterans who were denied of their lump sum claims by the Department of Veterans Affair (DVA). Rep. Filner acknowledged that they did not expect that more than 41,000 Filipino World War II veterans will apply for claims. They ( US Congress) only provided for 18,000 Filipino veterans.
JFAV PURSUES LOBBY/ CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
Members of the Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) and the Migrant Heritage Commission met with Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) this morning in an effort to revive the lobby for full equity. Art Garcia, National Coordinator for JFAV says Filner, a staunch advocate for the Filipino veterans, is sympathetic to the 16,000 veterans whose claims lump sum claims were denied.
FILAM DANCE ENSEMBLE FEATURED IN SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL, June 25, 2010 (tags)
The 2010 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, considered the biggest folklife festival in the US Capital after 15 years, featured the Philippine culture last June 25, 2010. The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC)’s Fil-am dance ensemble and the Northern Virginia rondalla represented the Filipino community. They presented five cultural suites in a special evening showcasing the best of Filipino culture. The dance ensemble is composed of performing arts talents from various groups in Virginia and Maryland. The MHC also invited other Filam cultural groups around the area like the BIMAK, ANJIN PRECIZION, YOYO and others.
MHC HOLDS SUCCESSFUL FIFTH ANNUAL PEOPLES BALL, JUNE 26, 2010 (tags)
With the theme: “Bringing People Together to Foster a Culture of Unity and Service”, more than 1,000 people attended the ball and the dinner. MHC gave awards to 18 awardees in their respective services to the community. Leading the awards were Retired General Antonio Taguba, Deputy Mayor Valerie Santos and human rights activist Mellisa Roxas. MHC Executive Director Atty, Arnedo Valera announced also announced during the ball that the MHC is collaborating with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in pursuing a case against the DVA on delayed and denied payments for Filipino WWII veterans and benefits for Filipina widows.
JFAV /AWARE Marked the 65th Year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles (tags)
Scores of veterans and widows, advocates and guests marked the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a simple program, Monday, June 14, 2010. The rites was held at the Church of the Nazarene Hall Social Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM. After the opening invocation given by Pastor Sonny River, the guests of honor , the Philippine Consul General Los Angeles, Mary Jo B. Aragon spoke about the significance of the Battle of Bessang Pass. The Consul General Aragon pointed out “ The Battle of Bessang Pass in June 14, 1945 is the only military victory of the Filipinos Arms against the Japanese imperial forces in World War II. The division size all Filipino forces was led by five American officers.”
AJLPP Forces Commemorates 112th Independence Day in the United States (tags)
On the anniversary of the 112th Independence Day from Spanish colonialism, June 12, 1898, the Alliance-Philippines and its allies commemorated the day of struggle in different cities of the United States in different forms. From San Francisco in the north to Los Angles in the south, and from New York in the east to Chicago in the Midwest different groups allied with or allies of AJLPP commemorated June 12 with renewed strength.
Commemorate the 112th Independence Day, Continue on the People's Struggle for Systemic Ch (tags)
-As we commemorate the 112th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 , we will witness a new era. That is the assumption to power of a new president coming from an old political dynasty and the exit of a despised leader who still cast a giant shadow on the new dispensation. We celebrate this short lived independence with bittersweet pride and with the unwavering aspirations of the Filipino people for real change and genuine independence. The Phillippines was the first bourgeois republic in Asia and the first Asian country to free itself from the stranglehold of colonialism.We were also the first colony of US Imperialism in this part of the world.
Commemorate the 112th Independence Day, Continue on the People's Struggle for Systemic Cha (tags)
Commemorate the 112th Independence Day, Continue on the People's Struggle for Systemic Change
JFAV /AWARE Marks the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles (tags)
Honor our Veterans,Celebrate their victories! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.
JFAV /AWARE Marks the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles (tags)
Calling on all surviving veterans of the Battle of Bessang Pass and widows or relatives of Filipino World War II veterans in Los Angeles. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.
US SENATE REPLENISHES LUMP SUM FUNDS FOR FILVETS (tags)
The US Senate has voted to use part of the savings from federal construction projects to replenish the nearly-depleted Filipino Veterans Equity Fund. The Senate voted 60-35 to use $67 million out of an estimated $103 million in savings allocated to the Department of Veterans Affairs to help the aging Filipino veterans. President Obama signed last year a Congress bill that set aside $198 million from the economic stimulus fund for the Filipino veterans. That amount was computed on the assumption that only 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans were left in the US and the Philippines. The fund would pay $15,000 for Filipino veterans living in the US, and $9,000 for those living in the Philippines.
POOR TURN OUT IN OAV VOTES BLAMED TO DFA (tags)
PESANTE NEWS learned that the last elections showed the extent where the Filipinos have gone through-out the world. From Italy City to Tonga, and from Tanzania to Cook island, it seems there is no part of the world that the Filipino voter has not set foot on. The report of the joint congressional committee's canvassing of overseas absentee votes has underscored the extent of the Filipino diaspora, with certificates of canvass coming from cosmopolitan cities and little known territories all over the globe. The Philippine Congress used to manual elections, counted first the votes from these far-off lands were the first ones canvassed to determine the winning President and Vice President in the Philippines' first automated general elections.Most of the overseas Filipinos voted manually, either by mail or by filling out ballots at designated areas. They had one month to cast their votes.
The Inaugural Mayflower Festival Held in LA, May 15- A Success (tags)
“It was the first, but it was a sweet success!” The Inaugural MayFlower Festival in the west-end of Historic Filipinotown was held at the parking lot of the Church of the Nazarene parking lot last May 15, 2010. This was the first time that a festival was held in this side of town. Usually may festivals were held in the east side, the center of Historic Filipinotown. Despite the heat of the sun at the end of spring, people turned up for the festivities. There were booths and displays from different community groups and participation from a broad spectrum of people from the community.
FVECF "Hush Money" not Just Compensation or Justice (tags)
This is a clear case of the GRP acting as spokespersons for the DVA. A case of brazen puppetry of those who should represent Filipino interest but acting as otherwise. They who are paid by the Filipino nation acts as media persons for American interests and even taint the dignity of our people must so our veterans. How could we believe their propaganda that they given so much when the truth is that they have denied 17,000 veterans claims for the flimsy reasons and they given out 13,000 claims? These are crap!
The Inaugural Mayflower Festival Held in LA, May 15- A Success (tags)
“It was the first, but it was a sweet success!” The Inaugural MayFlower Festival in the west-end of Historic Filipinotown was held at the parking lot of the Church of the Nazarene parking lot last May 15, 2010. This was the first time that a festival was held in this side of town. Usually may festivals were held in the east side, the center of Historic Filipinotown. Despite the heat of the sun at the end of spring, people turned up for the festivities. There were booths and displays from different community groups and participation from a broad spectrum of people from the community.
THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY, MARAMING SALAMAT PO! (tags)
Congratulations to the MayFlower Festival Commitee for a job well done. May 15 was a good start for the West-end of HFT and the Filipino Commercial district of Vermont Avenue! Despite all difficulties, you did very well!! MABUHAY KAYO AT ISANG BAGSAK!
The facts against psywar intrigues in the Philippines (tags)
As chief political consultant of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), I am well informed about the revolutionary position of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People's Army and the NDFP as well as the position of other major political forces in relation to the 2010 elections of the reactionary government.
The Queen is Dead? Long Live the King! (tags)
The Filipino people never failed to amaze me. The Filipino has spoken through their hearts. Their emotions showed when they thronged to the polling precints by the thousands. Line-up for hours just to vote and trash the minions of GMA and gave them a resounding defeat. This is the surge of the anti-GMA sentiments that was translated into votes. The tide of the anti-GMA sentiments can be likened in the 1986 boycott called by the opposition the led by Mrs. Aquino after Marcos brazenly stole the 1986 elections.
ITS ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE MAYFLOWER FESTIVAL AND PARADE ON MAY 15 IN 3rd/VERMONT, LOS AN (tags)
It’s all systems go for the MayFlower Festival and Parade on May 15. The MayFlower Festival- a Neighborhood fiesta and inter-faith parade will be held on Saturday May 15, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene, 34101 3rd St near Vermont Ave. Los Angeles. We invite all organizations and individuals to participate in the festival and parade that will feature the cultures of the Philippines. Those who are interested to join the parade can register and come as parade participants. They must be dressed in Filipiniana or any Filipino customs.
MAYFLOWER FESTIVAL AND PAR (tags)
The MayFlower Festival Outreach Project , a Neighborhood fiesta and inter-faith and non-denominational parade will be held on Saturday May 15, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3401 West 3rd St near Vermont Ave. Los Angeles. We invite all organizations and individuals to participate in the festival and parade that will feature the cultures of the Philippines. Those who are interested to join the parade can register and come as parade participants. They must be dressed in Filipiniana or any Filipino or Filipiniana or regional customes of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Deathblow to the US-Arroyo regime! Advance the People's War !-NDF (tags)
The Pesante News learned today that on the occasion of its founding anniversary today, April 24, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao salutes the toiling Filipino workers and peasants and all the patriotic and revolutionary members who belong to the 17 NDFP allied organizations. Thirty seven years ago, the NDF was born out of the people's active resistance to a fascist bankrupt regime; and out of the revolutionary people's movement. This was the gist of the statement of Rubi Del Mundo,Spokesperson of National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao on April 24, 2010
All efforts towards advancing the national democratic revolution in the Philippines! (tags)
Today we celebrate with utmost joy the Filipino people’s gallant struggle for national liberation and genuine democracy under a united front. Thirty seven years ago on April 24, in the face of the fascist Marcos dictatorship, revolutionary organizations came together to form the National Democratic Front (NDF). Through the years the NDF has proven its commitment in advancing the revolutionary struggle of the Filipino people to overthrow the semi-colonial, semi-feudal system which oppresses, deprives and exploits majority of the masses.
JFAV-Island Pacific SuperMarket Held Bataan Day/Book Signing , April 11 (tags)
The Island Pacific Supermarket and the Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) held a Bataan Day Remembrance and a Book-signing last April 11, 2010 from 11:30 to 1;00 PM at Suite No. 3 Island Pacific SuperMarket in the valley. Scores of aging Filipino veterans and widows for the valley some of them in walkers, came for the event. One veteran. Lorenzo Sayson from the island of Negros complained that he and some veterans have not received their lump sum claims. The DVA has reported that 14,000 Filipino veterans from the Philippines have received their claims.
JFAV/AWARE REMEMBERS BATAAN DAY IN FACLA, APRIL 10 (tags)
“Old soldiers never die, they just fade away...” On April 9, 1942, the United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), the largest US army garrison in the Pacific, surrendered its 90,000 troops to the Japanese Imperial Army. More than 30,000 US Army and 60,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months. This past Saturday, April 10, 2010, with over a hundred veterans, widows, and advocates in attendance, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equity (AWARE) remembered Bataan Day at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, California. With the American and Philippine national anthems, the commemoration began with the acknowledgement of our mother nations for which these veterans had fought and sacrificed so much. Next, Pastor Sonny Rivera of the Walk by Faith Church of the Nazarene gave the invocation.
JFAV/AWARE REMEMBERS BATAAN DAY AT FACLA (tags)
“Old soldiers never die, they just fade away...” On April 9, 1942, the United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), the largest US army garrison in the Pacific, surrendered its 90,000 troops to the Japanese Imperial Army. More than 30,000 US Army and 60,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months. This past Saturday, April 10, 2010, with over a hundred veterans, widows, and advocates in attendance, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equity (AWARE) remembered Bataan Day at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, California. With the American and Philippine national anthems, the commemoration began with the acknowledgement of our mother nations for which these veterans had fought and sacrificed so much. Next, Pastor Sonny Rivera of the Walk by Faith Church of the Nazarene gave the invocation.
JFAV COMMEMORATES 68Th BATAAN DAY IN THE UNITED STATES. (tags)
“ Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand cannot fall” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in the United States will hold several 68th Year Commemorative events for the 68th Fall Of Bataan or Bataan Day in the Philippines. JFAV and AWARE will remember the 68th Fall of Bataan in Los Angeles, Panorama City and San Francisco, all in California. On April 9, 1942, the USAFFE surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army, the largest US army garrison in the Pacific numbering 90,000 men. More than 30,000 US Army soldiers and 60, 000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months.
MHC DEMANDS GENUINE PUBLIC APOLOGY TO THE FILIPINOS FROM ADAM CAROLLA AND THE CBS (tags)
We are speaking on behalf of the Filipino American immigrants and the Filipino people in general on your recent public pronouncement against us. In your radio program you mentioned that Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is illiterate and prays to chicken bones. You further added that the Philippines is nothing but Pacquiao and sex tours. Really, Mr. Carolla, these whole racist remarks from a supposedly intelligent person like you, being part of the media, is all about you and not us.
LETTER TO THE RACISt ADAM COROLLA (tags)
It is high time that you practice professionalism in media, Mr. Carolla. On behalf of the Filipino American immigrants and the Filipino people whom you have unnecessarily hurt, we demand a real and genuine public apology from you . This time we will not take your racial tirade sitting down. We are writing to your sponsors for them to withdraw their support as your program is not worthy of public trust and respect.
Remember Bataan, Fight for Justice!” (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Fight for Justice!” 68th Year Commemoration of Bataan Day, April 9, 1942 Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
JFAV salutes Commander Florencio C. Cadiente, age 89 (tags)
Another strong pillar of the Filipino veterans rights and equity movement has passed away. Commander Florencio C. Cadiente of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV), one of the pioneer Fil-Am veterans organizations in the United States based in Los Angeles, went back to his creator last March 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Manong (Brother) Flor, as he is fondly known to the community, was born on January 3, 1921 in Narvacan, Ilocos Norte in Northern Luzon, Philippines.
JFAV/AWARE Commemorates 68th Year Bataan Day April 10 at FACLA (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Fight for Justice!” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Los Angeles Steering Committee and the Association of Widows,Advocates and Relatives for Equality( AWARE) cordially invites you to join our commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day,April 9, 1942. On Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, JFAV and AWARE will be honoring our local Filipino American World War II veterans, especially those who survived the Bataan Death March, at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Commemorate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day, April 9, 1942 (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Los Angeles Steering Committee cordially invites you to join our commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day, which memorializes the military surrender at the Bataan Peninsula. On Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, we will be honoring our local Filipino American World War II veterans, especially those who survived the Bataan Death March, at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Filipino Americans Nationwide Stand Up Against War and Occupation-- March 20, 2010 (tags)
As the invasion of Iraq enters its eighth year, the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) expresses their solidarity with the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Philippines and every place there are occupying US forces. “Ordinary people are rallying across the country and around the world demanding an end to wars of aggression and longstanding imperialism”, says New York-based Ugnayan Interim Spokesperson Chevy Evangelista. Queens-based organizations Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the Motherland) and Damayan Migrant Workers Association as well California-based organizations, Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB, Pro People Youth) Los Angeles and San Diego, are urging Filipino and other immigrant communities to join coordinated DC/West Coast anti-war rallies on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
JFAV LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA (tags)
We write to you on the 64th anniversary of the Rescission Act—that took away for the first time, the full recognition of the US military services of the Filipino World War II veterans who fought in defense of an American territory in Asia. The timing also marks the first year after the “lump sum” was granted after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and the denial of 41,000 applicants as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Though the “lump sum” of $15,000 for American citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens fell short of the lifetime monthly pension and lifetime benefits granted to all American veterans, it did provide a temporary monetary relief to many impoverished veterans.
Letter to President Obama (tags)
We write to you on the 64th anniversary of the Rescission Act—that took away for the first time, the full recognition of the US military services of the Filipino World War II veterans who fought in defense of an American territory in Asia. The timing also marks the first year after the “lump sum” was granted after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and the denial of 41,000 applicants as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Though the “lump sum” of $15,000 for American citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens fell short of the lifetime monthly pension and lifetime benefits granted to all American veterans, it did provide a temporary monetary relief to many impoverished veterans.
Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) (tags)
“Anti-Filipino, insensitive and unjust.” This is the reaction of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) on the defense being put up by the head of the Philippine Embassy’s Office of the Veterans Affairs (OVA) Gen Victor Corpus. By saying many claims are “ false , duplicates and incomplete claims”, Corpus is acting like a spokesperson for the United States DVA. He should leave that job to retired General Taguba of the DVA. JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia pointed out; “ It pains us that a Filipino like a former rebel General Victor Corpus is acting in the service of the US Agency. Instead of protecting the Filipino veterans he even give credence to the spurious claims of the DVA”
JFAV SET TO FILE COURT CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
After the the February 16 deadline passed and on the 64th year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946, 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 and the Migrant Heritage Commission based in Washington DC is based to file a case in court against the DVA. This came about after 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.”
OLD RP EMBASSY CHANCERY IN WASHINGTON DC CONSTRUCTED, LA CONSULATE LEASE EXTENDED (tags)
The Philippine Embassy Chancery on Bataan St. in Washington is an expression of the state of the Philippines Today. Old, decrepit and ailing like the Philippine economy propped up by the remittances of Filipino workers abroad. The ECPP NEWS elarned this from the Filipino writer Rodney Jaleco who said; “ blast from the past, the historic Philippine chancery finally reopens its doors in a few weeks. The old chancery stands opposite the present Philippine Embassy building along Massachusetts Ave. NW. It was purchased in the 1930s by Resident Commissioner (the Philippine representative to the US Congress) Joaquin Elizalde. It served as the seat of the Philippine government-in-exile during World War II.
JFAV SET TO FILE COURT CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
After the the February 16 deadline passed and on the 64th year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946, 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 and the Migrant Heritage Commission based in Washington DC is based to file a case in court against the DVA. This came about after 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: More than 16,000 Veterans Denied out of 41,000 Claims (tags)
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.”
FASCIST MILITARY VIOLENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The arrest and torture of 43 medical and health professionals in the Philippines by the Arroyo military and police seeks to obscure the ongoing Ampatuwan-Arroyo trial and rehearse emergency martial-law schemes to prolong the Arroyo regime's corrupt and brutal domination. US citizens: will you allow millions of your tax-dollars to support Arroyo's military-police in fascist abuses?
Filipino teachers form organization to pursue justice vs recruiter (tags)
February 12, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana–Filipino migrant teachers who are in a struggle against their recruitment agency on allegations of overcharges and exploitation have banded together to form an advocacy and campaigns organization to consolidate their growing movement.
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
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.
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles expressed 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 government made so much political capital of the lump sum.
More than 16,000 Veterans Claims Denied as Feb 16 Deadline Ends (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles expressed 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 government made so much political capital of the lump sum. Now, the truth is out. That 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. ”
JFAV's Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
AJLPP Condemns the Mercenary US Philippine Force Under the UN (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) express disgust in the mercenary tradition of the AFP and the supposed Filipino pride in the appointment of a Filipino general in the United Nations forces serving under the direction of US Imperialism. General Ecarma of the Philipine Marines was formally appointed on Monday by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as force commander and head of mission for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in what was once the battleground of the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and Syria.
JFAV Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
JFAV Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
JFAV BEWAILS 7,000 DENIALS OF VETERANS CLAIMS BY THE DVA (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewailed the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The ABS-CBN reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA. Initially until December, 2009 the DVA data says that 2,000 claims have been denied and 11,000 claims has been granted to Filipinos both in the US and in the Philippines.
On MLK Day, NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE! (tags)
We, in the Filipino- American community and JFAV commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Kingdom Day in Los Angeles and all over the United States today, January 18th, 2010. It is several weeks to Feb 18, 2010, the 64th year of the Rescission Act of 1946 when the US congress stripped the Filipino veterans their rights and benefits as American veterans. This will be the 64th year that we are still unrecognized for our military service for America . Adding insult to injury, the removed the Filipino World War II veterans from the Enhanced American Veterans Benefits Law or the New GI Bill of 2008. Instead they gave the veterans a one time lump- sum- ( $ 15,000 to American citizens and $ 9,000 to Filipino citizens)—in essence - hush money for their “ human suffering for waiting for this lump sum” not a recognition of their war time service.
JFAV Scores the DVA Data on Veterans Claims (tags)
As the deadline for application for one-time claims payment, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expressed doubts the DVA report that “ 11,300 Filipino veterans have received their claims”. The US Embassy in Manila reported this data. As of September 22,2009, the DVA has reported 22,800 claims pending an entitlement decision out of the 32,000 applications. Since then 34,000 applications have been applied. JFAV, a national alliance of veterans, youth and community advocates in the United States said the report of the DVA that half of the claims received are Filipino veterans are in the United States are greatly exaggerated.
Filipino Bishop notes ‘ominous’ signs for May 10 Presidential polls (tags)
With the imported counting machines have been arriving in trickles, government websites have been hacked with relative ease, and the crucial task of educating the voters seems to have fallen on the shoulders—and gyrating hips—of the Sex Bomb Dancers. EPCC NEWS learned today that an outspoken Filipino leader of the Catholic Church cited these observations as “ominous” signs that the country’s first automated elections in May may be headed for disaster.
Filipino farmers’ nation-wide march for Land Reform to kick off Jan. 10 (tags)
A nationwide protest march to highlight President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s alleged string of heinous crimes against farmers will kick off in Mindanao on January 10 and end in Manila on January 22, in time for the 23rd anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre, a partylist lawmaker said on Saturday. PESANTE NEWS learned today that Anakpawis partylist Representative Rafael Mariano said the nationwide farmers’ caravan was only an “opening salvo of sustained mass actions for this year leading to the end of the anti-peasant, corrupt, and fascist Arroyo administration.” Nationwide March for Land Reform “The nationwide march and caravan of farmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will highlight Ms Arroyo’s string of heinous crimes against farmers, from wide-scale land-grabbing, brazen human rights violations, and unabashed plunder of agricultural funds, among others,” Mariano said in a statement.
Filipinos join global action in Copenhagen Vs Climate Change (tags)
As world leaders negotiate on carbon emission limits, Filipino activists join tens of thousands of activists all around the world in mobilizations dubbed “People’s Assembly to Reclaim Power and Avoid Climate Crisis.” “We are in solidarity with the people who fight for climate justice. This big protest action is a testament to the people’s demand for quick and meaningful action by national governments and international institutions like the United Nations,” said Filipino climate activist Clemente Bautista of Philippine Climate Watch Alliance. “But as expected, leaders and government of capitalist countries like the United States, Japan, and European Union are evading responsibility and sabotaging the negotiation,” he said in a statement e-mailed to media outfits.
JUSTICE FOR BEN ORENLAS, JUSTICE FOR HYATT REGENCY HOTEL WORKERS! (tags)
The Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) based in Los Angeles county called on the management of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Long Beach to be fair in evaluating Ben's Orenlas suspension. As members of the community of Long Beach ,we are asking for a fair process and that he is treated with equal respect. Ben Orenlas, a Filipino Hotel worker at Hyatt who has worked for the Hyatt for 8 years. He was once rewarded at he Hyatt for being the best worker in the Kitchen. He was suspended by the management last Friday.
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 .
FILAMS PROTEST DVA DELAYS< ASKS FOR FULL RECOGNITION! (tags)
DVA DON’T DELAY, SPEED UP THE CLAIMS, YOU’RE BUSTED! Hundreds of protestors led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)- a national alliance of veterans, youth marched from Historic Filipinotown in the Temple-Beverly corridor towards downtown Los Angeles to the Federal building to dramatize their protest against long delays and slow-processing of the veterans claims. The JFAV protest march started from FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The march started at 10; 15 AM after an hour program inside the FACLA social hall. While scores of veterans, widows and seniors rode on vehicles provided by JFAV, hundreds of students from different colleges and universities marched the 2-mile route from Temple St to the federal building. This is the second march by the community led alliance towards downtown LA. The first was in 1997.
FULL RECOGNITION IS REAL JUSTICE (tags)
On February 18, 1946, the US Congress passed and President Truman signed Public Law 70-301, known as the "Rescission Act of 1946" - affecting close to half a million Filipinos who fought side by side with the Americans in the WAR against Imperial Japan in the Pacific. These Filipino Veterans who gallantly served America and suffered torture and even death in the hands of its enemy found themselves fighting the longest battle of their lives: 63 years of struggle to be recognized as full Veterans of Foreign War and gain all benefits accorded to such status.
JFAV/ FIL-AMS ALL SET FOR VETERANS DAY PROTEST MARCH ON NOVEMBER 11 IN LA (tags)
CLAIMS DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED! DEMAND JUSTICE! For more than eight years the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) commemorate Veterans Day with an annual parade around Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles to honor the Filipino World War II. This years 2009 will be different. Led by JFAV- a national alliance of veterans,youth and students and AWARE, composed of widows and seniors, the Filipino American community will hold a protest march towards downtown Los Angeles to the Federal building to dramatize their protest against long delays and slow-processing of the veterans claims. The JFAV protest march will start at FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. Assembly will start at 7:00 PM. A program will be held inside the FACLA Hall and the march will commence at 10;00 AM. Invited guest is Assemblyman Kevin De Leon of the 45th District.
Claims delayed is Justice Denied (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States and the Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) in Los Angeles again raised it voice against the insidious and unfair propaganda of the DVA against the Filipino World War II Veterans. For us it is the fault of the DVA that they only projected 18,000 veterans to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. Now that nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applications.
JFAV SCORES DVA DELAYS AND SLOW-PROCESSING; REITERATES CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
“ Claims Delayed, Justice Denied! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States based in Los Angeles again raised it voice against the insidious and unfair propaganda of the DVA against the Filipino World War II Veterans. It is the fault of the DVA that they only projected 18,000 veterans to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and now nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applied? The JFAV scores the malicious insinuations of the DVA that “ This could indicate, according to analysts, that there may be spurious or incomplete claims being filed, or that some veterans may be submitting duplicate claims. “ JFAV bewail the fact they use this reason to say “these could be slowing down the application process. As early as 2002, JFAV has stood with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) that were at least 70,000 still living Filipino veterans in the Philippines. But the DVA bulldozed their claims that there are only 18,000 veterans both in the US and the Philippines. Who now is telling the truth? Why are they surprised with the number of claims?
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
About 18,000 veterans are projected to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, but a website shows nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applications -- have been received by the Manila Regional Office of the US Department of Veterans Affairs as of October 1, 2009. This could indicate, according to analysts, that there may be spurious or incomplete claims being filed, or that some veterans may be submitting duplicate claims. And these could be slowing down the application process.
U.S. IMPERIALISM IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
After more than a century of brutal colonization of the Philippines, U.S. troops continue to battle Moro insurgents and the New People's Army guerillas to protects its investments, support the bloody oligarchs headed by the Arroyo clique, and preserve its neocolonial stranglehold. The U.S. public should wake up to demand that Obama stop its support of the Arroyo regime and withdraw U.S. troops. E. San Juan's two books might help inform the US public of what's going on in the Philippines today.
GMA AND TEODORO CANNOT CLAIM THE VETERANS VICTORY AS THEIRS (tags)
We wrote this letter as a rejoinder to the steady stream of propaganda from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and ever willing Philippine government functionaries led by Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro and his lackeys namely PVAO retired General Ernesto Carolina and their paid hacks. But the glaring fact it is more than six months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only less than 3,000 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow. The United States is deliberately using the claims as a propaganda tool to make the Filipino people accept their Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the proposed changes in the 1987 constitution that will give them 100% ownership of Philippine lands and corporations.
Claims DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
Despite the Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) dated September 4, 2009 in reply to our questions, the national alliance based in Los Angeles continues to receive numerous complaints from Filipino World War II veterans on the slow process of their claims. It is more than six months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only less than 2,000 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow. Therefore, we are afraid and have to tell the veterans and their dependents that the claims will take another 18 months at most to be all be paid to tall of them.
AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY: SUPPORT THE LONG BEACH HILTON BOYCOTT! (tags)
The Echo Park Community Coalition based in central Los Angeles , community alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist expresses our unequivocal support to the announced boycott being called by the workers of Hilton Long Beach starting September 3, 2009. Exactly one year ago, we warned the management of Hilton Long Beach that the Filipino American community of Long Beach will not tolerate discrimination of any kind or form most so of Filipino workers inside the hotel. Instead the situation turned from bad to worst. We are appalled at the intransigence of the management that does not only exploits the workers of all nationalities but oppresses them by practicing the most anti-labor measures such as dismissal of worker organizers, checking the workers lockers, preventing them from organizing and other anti-workers measures.
Hilton Hotel Workers in Long Beach Calls for a Boycott (tags)
On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, we express our unequivocal support to the announced boycott being called by the workers of Hilton Long Beach starting September 3, 2009. Exactly one year ago, we warned the management of Hilton Long Beach that the Filipino American community of Long Beach will not tolerate discrimination of any kind or form most so of Filipino workers inside the hotel. Instead the situation turned from bad to worst. We are appalled at the intransigence of the management that does not only exploits the workers of all nationalities but oppresses them by practicing the most anti-labor measures such as dismissal of worker organizers, checking the workers lockers, preventing them from organizing and other anti-workers measures.
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, points out the fact that as of August 2009, less than 10 percent of more than 35,000 Filipino World War II veterans who applied for their claims have received their benefits. Although you have reassured our fellow organization, the ACFV that the VA department is doing its best to implement the new “Filipino Veterans Compensation Law” as quickly as possible we still have to bring to your attention the slow process as more veterans fade away in the waiting process.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 77 (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States lost one of its staunchest friend and ally- a champion of human rights, the oppressed and the elderly, a true blooded democrat till his end - Senator Edward Moore Kennedy, 77. On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, we express our deep and sincere condolences to the family, friends and the constituents of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Filipino Veterans Rejects Corpus Appointment to RP) Embassy in the US (tags)
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
What Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) was saying all along was validated by ACFV leaders in Washington and the RP embassy itself. As of July only more than 2,000 veterans have received their claims out of the 35,000 who applied since February 2009 While the passage in February of the “equity compensation” legislation brought so much hope and rejoicing for thousands of Filipino World War II veterans who, for decades, had lobbied for recognition for their war-time services to the United States,six months later, most of these veterans, now in the late 80s are still waiting for the one-time, lump-sum compensation which went with the recognition of their military services.
FILIPINO -AMERICANS HOLDS MEMORIAL MASSES/PRAYERS FOR PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT CORY (tags)
The Filipino American community held prayer meetings and memorial masses for President Cory Aquino on August 4 and 6 in Los Angeles. On Thursday, August 6, the memorial mass was held at the St.Columban Filipino Church in Historic Filipinotwn Los Angeles. It was led by the Echo Park Community Coalition. Veterans of the anti-martial law movement in the United States and in the Philippines were present at the mass. Fr, john Brannnigan, a friend of the Aquino family and Fr, Frisco Entines, a veteran rights advocate officiated the mass. The solemn mass songs in Filipino was sung by the Parish Generation Choir.
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) in Los Angeles is united with our compatriots in our motherland in their grief and their celebration of the life the 11th President of our republic, Mrs. Corazon “Tita Cory” Aquino. Today, as the Filipino people sends off Mrs. Aquino to her grave and pays their last respects, her spirit of resistance against tyrannty continues. Mrs. Aquino, a simple housewife, was reluctantly thrust into the center-stage of history with the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. in August 21, 1983.
FILAM COMMUNITY HOLDS MEMORIAL MASS FOR PRESIDENT CORY AQUINO, AUG 6 (tags)
The Filipino American community led by the Parish Community of St. Columban Church will hold a memorial mass for President Cory Aquino on the feast of transfiguration on Thursday, 7:00PM - August 6, 2009 at the St. Columban Filipino Church at 125 S. Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 in Historic Filipinotown. The endorsing organizations for the memorial mass are the Bangon Pilipino,Bangon Pilipinas, Confederation of Filipino American Organizations (CONFAA)-Carson, Council of Fil-Am Leaders of Southern California, Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), Parish Generation Choir of St. Columban and Search to Involve the Pilipino Americans (SIPA).
Mrs. Corazon C, Aquino, 76-11th President of the Philippines (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) in Los Angeles is united with our compatriots in our motherland in their grief and their celebration of the life the 11th President of our republic, Mrs. Corazon “Tita Cory” Aquino. Mrs. Aquino, a simple housewife, was reluctantly thrust into the center-stage of history with the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. in August 21, 1983 and made her mark as an opposition leader and then as a president of the Republic after the dictator was deposed in a people’s power uprising in 1986. Before that, for three significant years, from 1980-83 the Filipino American community was lucky enough to have the Aquino family in exile in Boston, in the east coast until Senator Aquino decided to come home to his martyrdom at the hands of the much hated dictatorship. Then rest is history.
On the PGMA-Obama Meeting On July 29-31 in the US (tags)
“ I did not become president to be popular”. Taking a cue from the dictator Marcos who said, “I did not become president to preside of the death of the Philippine republic” in 1972, Gloria M. Arroyo made her intentions very clear and went to the United States to seek the blessing and support of the new US president. Like all Philippine presidents before her, she will kowtow and try to impress the chief executive officer of the ruling capitalist class of the United States. She will for sure in the name of “fighting global; terrorism and “climate change” align her interest with the US of the capitalist class.
TAYO Launch Party to Celebrate the Community’s Talented Writers and Artists (tags)
TAYO is presented by the Filipino American Library (FAL) and led by Co-Directors Kristine Co and Melissa Sipin.
JFAV SUPPORTS DALUYONG: 3-Day Filipino American Youth Consultation in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), national alliance of veterans, students/youth and community advocates for veterans justice and equity rights, militantly and wholly supports the National Youth Consultation to be held in Historic Filipino Town in Los Angeles on July 24 and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 on July 25-26, 2009 . On July 24-26, a three-day consultation bringing together grassroots Filipino American youth organizations to build mechanisms of coordination on national issues, and bridge the divide amongst the Filipino Diaspora in addressing Philippine and International concerns. The national consultation, “DALUYONG: Surging to Confront the Crisis of Our Times”, is organized by the Bagwis Collective (IL), Committee on Pilipino Issues (IL), Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (NY/NJ), and the host organization Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB or Pro-people Youth, CA) under the auspices of the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines). The event is also endorsed by a number of other progressive organizations across the U.S. and Canada (see complete list of current North American endorsements).
SENATOR PIMENTEL CALLS ON OFW’S TO VOTE ON 2010 ELECTIONS; ALLAYS FEARS OF CHACHA ON SONA (tags)
Senate Minority leader and oppositionSenator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. calls on all overseas Filipinos to vote on the May 2010 Presidential elections in the Philippines. Calling the OFW votes as “the decisive factor and the cleansing votes” he appealed to Filipino American voters in the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) Hall at the regular Media Breakfast Club of LA Wednesday meeting, yesterday, July 22. " There are around 14 million Filipinos abroad. If only 6 million of them votes. that can be decisive in any elections. In the United States there are around 2.9 million of you here. Your votes are not tainted, you cannot be bought. Therefore your vites are important." Pimentel told the crowd.
DALUYONG: Surging to Confront the Crisis of Our Times (tags)
Filipino American youth, both immigrant and US-born, are agitated and getting ready to tell the rest of the country where they stand and how they are to respond to the current economic crisis affecting their families, their education, their work, and their rights. They are concerned over current immigration policies, race relations, exploitation of women and children, and how these and other issues are linked to the broader global economic crisis and war. They are surging forward to claim what is inherently theirs – the future.
Long Beach City Council postpones vote on Pike Hotel (tags)
Another victory for Hotel workers and Coalition in South Bay! Led by dozens of members of the Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community (LBC) who were in the crowd, with their concerns on whether the hotel would provide decent wages for its employees, they told the council to work for workers interests. Urged on by a crowd of hotel worker's-rights supporters, the City Council on Tuesday voted 7-1 to continue for one week a vote that would move a proposed hotel at the Pike one step closer to approval.
FILIPINO SCHOLAR'S NEW WORKS (tags)
U.S.-based Filipino intellectual, E. San Juan, Jr., issues 4 new works critical of U.S. imperialism, white racial supremacy, and postmodernist ideological fashions serving neoliberal global capitalism.
Daluyong: National Filipino American Youth Consultation (tags)
Daluyong: Surging to Confront the Crisis of Our Times is a national Filipino American Youth Consultation that will bring together progressive youth from California, New York, and Chicago to assess, share, and plan the necessary steps to advocate for our community’s concerns and to build a broad movement and program towards fundamental change.
Filipino World War II Veterans Still Waits for Claims Checks (tags)
“It’s still a long waiting game.” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) the national alliance of veterans and advocates organization in the United States continue to receive numerous complaints from Filipino World War II veterans on the slow process of their claims. “ More than five months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only 773 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow” This was the remarks on the new and incoming Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) Commander Nick Gadia of Los Angeles.
The Filipino American Library (FAL) presents free Community Tours of Historic Filipinotown (tags)
The FAL Community Tours of Historic Filipinotown, narrated by a knowledgeable tour guide, will cover significant sites, events, and individuals in and around Historic Filipinotown, providing a rich historical overview of Filipinos in Los Angeles.
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ, THE ADMIRAL WHO NEVER WAS (tags)
The Kilusang Dekada 70 ( KD70) composed of First Quarter Storm and martial law activists based in the United States pays tribute to Philippine Navy Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a martial law and anti-Marcos activist. He died June 25 in Orange County, Southern California. Commodore Alcaraz is a World War II veteran and a survivor of Bataan. He belonged to PMA class 1940 and commanded the fleet of PT boats of the fledgling Philippine Commonwealth Navy that was placed under the command of USAFFE when the whole Commonwealth army as conscripted in 1941.
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ, PN, VETERAN AND ANTI MARTIAL LAW PIONEER IN THE US (tags)
Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, PN, the man who defied Marcos, a known anti Marcos leader in the United States, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy class 1940 and a pillar of the Filipino veterans' cause died last June 25, 2009. Ramon Alcaraz , a bemedalled World War II Filipino veteran is an authentic war hero who was promoted on the spot and decorated personally by General MacArthur in Corregidor for heroism and gallantry in action in January 1942. A torpedo boat commander, Alcaraz shot down three Japanese dive bombers during World War II.
PGMA CONSOLIDATES US FORCES, MEET AND GREET FIL-AM COMMUNITY (tags)
"Ati cupong singsing, metunyan timpukan" With the Kapampangan music sung by the choir, amidst heavy security and with a intimate mostly Kapampangan crowd, Philippine President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo met and greets the Filipino American community in Los Angeles in a breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel last Saturday, June 20. The President paid tribute to the Filipino American overseas workers PGMA also mentioned the fact that “ more than two-thirds (2/3) of all overseas remittances to the Philippines comes from the more than3 million Filipinos in the United States.” She also acknowledges that these remittances keeps the Philippine economy floating.
PGMA CONSOLIDATES US FORCES, MEET AND GREET FIL-AM COMMUNITY (tags)
With the Kapampangan music sung by the choir, amidst heavy security and with a intimate mostly Kapampangan crowd, Philippine President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo met and greets the Filipino American community in Los Angeles in a breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel last June 21. The President paid tribute to the Filipino American overseas workers PGMA also mentioned the fact that “ more than two-thirds (2/3) of all overseas remittances to the Philippines comes from the more than3 million Filipinos in the United States.” She also acknowledges that these remittances keeps the Philippine economy floating.
On the 148th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal: To Rebel is justified (tags)
“There are no tyrants if there are no slaves” We are one with the Filipino people in commemoration of the 148th birth anniversary of the great Filipino patriot, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. His birth anniversary is significant indeed in the turbulent times the nation is facing. Our situation hardly changed. This time, we are not under a colonial Spanish masters but under the tyranny of a local despot named Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo who serves at the pleasure of her US imperialist masters. Instead of the dreaded Spanish Guardia Civil, we have the obedient Armed Forces and the PNP that wrecked havoc on the people.
JUNE 13 JFAV KALAYAAN ACTIVITIES IN LA, A SUCCESS! (tags)
The Filipino Veterans and their students and youth advocates commemorated the 111th Independence of the Philippines with a flag raising ceremony at the Hollywood Presbyterian medical Center (HPMC) Fair on June 13. Despite the June gloom, hundreds of seniors, HPMC personnel, community folks and veterans raised the Philippine flag in a flag ceremony at around 9:45 in the morning on June 13 at the opening of the HPMC Community fair at Vermont at Fountain Sts. They were led by SGS Commander Jack Vergara, AWARE president Lulu Astilla and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia. Philippine Consul general Mary Jo B. Aragon was the guest of honor.
JFAV KALAYAAN CONCERT JUNE 13 IN LA (tags)
MABUHAY ANG ARAW NG KALAYAAN! The Filipino Veterans and their students and youth advocates commemorated the 111th Independence of the Philippines with a fundraising concert in Historic Filipinotown and a flag raising ceremony at the Hollywood Presbyterian medical Center (HPMC) Fair on June 13. Despite the June gloom, hundreds of seniors, HPMC personnel, community folks and veterans raised the Philippine flag in a flag ceremony at around 9:45 in the morning on June 13 at the opening of the HPMC Community fair at Vermont at Fountain Sts. They were led by SGS Commander Jack Vergara, AWARE president Lulu Astilla and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia. Philippine Consul general Mary Jo B. Aragon was the guest of honor.
Filipino Veterans Protests Slow Processing of Lump Sum Checks: US Playing Politics (tags)
Another long wait for benefits. Filipino World War II veteran based both in the United States and the Philippines protests the long wait and slow processing of the lump sum benefits. “ We have waited for 63 long years for our benefits. Now they are going to let us wait again for another long wait.” This was the remark of veteran Mariano Pastorin of Los Angeles.” “ But we can’t do anything but wait. We waited for the American forces to go back for us during the Japanese occupation. We have waited for our benefits. We are still waiting for our benefits.” Pastorin joked about his long wait.
Veterans Laments Slow Processing of Lump Sum Checks: US Playing Politics (tags)
Filipino World War II veteran based both in the United States and the Philippines laments and criticizes the long wait and slow processing of the lump sum benefits. JFAV reported that more than 2,000 veterans in the Philippines and in the United States have received their one-time lump sum checks. It was reported that the Filipino veterans were given priority in processing while the US veterans will receive theirs later. JFAV pointed out that the US government is playing politics by giving benefits to Filipinos first to for political reasons. This especially that several amendments to the proposed charter change of the Arroyo administration will benefits the United States.
JUNE 11 INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMUNITY FORUM HELD IN LA (tags)
Two poles apart. As thousands of well heeled, best dressed Filipinos gathered in a plush hotel for a gala Independence Day night on June 13 for the Philippine consulate, scores of angry Filipino American and their allies voiced out their protests against fake independence in the Philippines. “ Fight for real independence and sovereignty!” —this was the call of the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP), GABNET-LA and ANSWER-LA as they held their community forum last June 11 at ANSWER office at 137 Virgil St. Los Angeles, CA. 90004.
FILAM ACTIVISTS RALLIED VS CHACHA IN LA (tags)
NO US INSPIRED CHARTER CHANGE, US OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES! Scores of Filipino American activist with their solidarity comrades militantly picketed and rallied in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles in solidarity with the mass protests in the Philippines yesterday, June 9 ( June 10 in the Philippines) Activists from the Alliance –Philippines (AJLPP) , the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), GABNET-LA and ANSWER-LA added their voices with the Filipino people in stopping and exposing the US-inspired charter change that seeks to perpetuate GMA in power.
KALAYAAN (FREEDOM) PHILIPPINES SERIES (tags)
3 Events This Week: Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13 Public Forum, Film Screening & Benefit Concert Presented by AJLPP, GABNet-LA, JFAV and ANSWER Coalition Filipino revolutionaries declared their independence from colonial Spain on June 12, 1898, 119 years ago. Two months later, the United States occupied Manila and declared war on the Philippines, crushing the young republic. Today, Filipinos are still in struggle for true independence and sovereignty. With continued U.S. occupation and intervention, and a culture of impunity of human rights violations forced on the people of the Philippines, the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP), the GABRIELA Network (GABNet), Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ANSWER Coalition commemorate Philippine Independence with fierce struggle in the United States. Join us at the following exciting events this week:
Celebrating Philippine Independence Day (tags)
The Philippine flag acquires added prominence these days on the occasion of the observance of the Declacration of Philippine Independence.
FILAM ACTIVISTS RALLIED VS CHACHA (tags)
NO US INSPIRED CHARTER CHANGE, US OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES! Scores of Filipino American activist with their solidarity comrades militantly picketed and rallied in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles in solidarity with the mass protests in the Philippines yesterday, June 9 ( June 10 in the Philippines) Activists from the Alliance –Philippines (AJLPP) , the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), GABNET-LA and ANSWER-LA added their voices with the Filipino people in stopping and exposing the US-inspired charter change that seeks to perpetuate GMA in power.
STOP THE US- INSPIRED ARROYO CHARTER CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The Alliance –Philippines (AJLPP) strongly condemns the US Imperialism and its fascist puppet-Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo in meddling and direct intervention in the political process in the Philippines. The US government is pushing for Charter Change by amending the 1987 constitution. We in the Filipino American community add our voices and militantly are in solidarity with the Filipino people in stopping and exposing the US-inspired charter change that seeks to perpetuate GMA in power. The AJLPP noted that it was very evident last June 1, 2009 when the GMA controlled House of Representatives passed resolution 1109 that will convene Congress into a constituent assembly to amend the 1987 constitution.
Submissions Deadline Extended for TAYO Literary Magazine (tags)
TAYO is the first independent literary magazine dedicated to the creative expression of Filipino American youth. It is presented by the Filipino American Library (FAL) and led by Co-Directors Kristine Co and Melissa Sipin. Guidelines and additional information are available at www.tayoliterarymag.com.
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:
New Fil-Am Literary Magazine Requesting Submissions from Youth (tags)
TAYO is the first independent literary magazine dedicated to Filipino American youth in Southern California. All of the following are accepted: poetry, essays, short stories, digital art, drawings, graffiti, photography, and paintings. Art and written work focusing on the Filipino American experience is encouraged, but not required. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2009. Guidelines and additional information are available at www.tayoliterarymag.tk.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Anniversary of the Fall of Corregidor in the United States. (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Corregidor, May 6, 1942. With the fall of the island bastion of Corregidor it paved the way of the total surrender of the whole Philippines to the Japanese invaders in May 9, 1942.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Anniversary of the Fall of Corregidor in the United States. (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Corregidor, May 6, 1942. With the fall of the island bation of Corregidor it paved the way of the total surrender of the whole Philippines to the Japanese invaders in May 9, 1942. For their heroism in Bataan, Corregidor and other battlefields in the Philippines, the brave soldiers and guerillas held the line for more than three months and farther on for another three more years waging a fierce war of resistance against the Japanese fascist invaders.
FILIPINOS DEMANDS LEGALIZATION AND IMMIGRANT RIGHTS (tags)
Last Friday, May 1, International Workers’ Day, women workers, youth and allies of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) joined the groundswell of immigrants and workers demanding for Obama to deliver on his promise of immigration reform in nationally-coordinated marches. The Alliance Philippines called for full legalization, amnesty, a stop to racist enforcement measures like deportations, detentions and border militarization, full protections for all workers, and an end to US imperialism, the root cause of the Filipino people’s forced migration. “We are here to echo the voices of the 14 million undocumented who are struggling and working hard despite the economic crisis,” said Mona Lunot, nanny, housekeeper and Chairperson of DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association, in her speech at the concluding rally in New York City. DAMAYAN is a member organization of Alliance Philippines. “Undocumented workers are called ‘aliens.’ But we are the workers who take care of Americans’ homes and children, cook their food, build their houses, and plant the food they eat.
AJLPP MOBILIZES FOR MARCH FOR FULL IMMIGRANT RIGHTS US-WIDE ON MAY 1 (tags)
The Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) calls on all immigrant right advocates and activists all over the United States to MARCH FOR FULL RIGHTS FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS! AMNESTY NOW! On May 1, 2009. The AJLPP Coordinators Arturo P. Garcia from the West Coast and East Coast Coordinator Riya Ortiz announced that the Filipino-American contingent composed of students, youth, women, domestic workers, veterans and community activists will join protest marches in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. In Los Angeles, AJLPP forces and allies will assemble at PEOPLE’S CORE on 1610 Beverly Blvd, Suite No. 2 Los Angeles, CA 90026 in Historic Filipinotown from 11:30 AM to 12:00 noon and proceed to assembly area in Broadway and Olympic, where the march starts at 1.00 PM
Brother Eddie for President Movement launched in the USA (tags)
Chanting “BROTHER EDDIE” a rowdy crowd of more than 150 supporters, friends and relatives that packed the fundraiser of Brother Eddie Villanueva formally launched the “Brother Eddie for President Movement “ in the United States, in a fundraiser dinner in Los Angeles, California last Sunday, April 26. Bro. Eddie Villanueva is the founder of the Jesus is Lord Church. The JIL has more than three million members and 26 churches in the Philippines and all over the world. This was the follow up of Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s formal acceptance of the challenge of different sectors in the Philippines to run as a presidential aspirant in the 2010 Presidential elections last March 23, 2009 at the Araneta Center. The launching was held in Casa Prinsesa Coffee Shop at 4527 New York, Eagle Rock, --a predominantly Filipino residential and business area in the city of Los Angeles.
40 years of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines is the shining star of the Filipino people. For 40 years, the Party has engaged in fierce struggle and has led the people's revolution paving the way for a just society. The Party celebrates its 40th founding anniversary with far greater resolve to serve the Filipino people to the fullest of its capacity.
Photo Essay: 40 years of the Communist Party of the Philippines (2) (tags)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is the shining star of the Filipino people. For 40 years, the Party has engaged in fierce struggle and has led the people's revolution paving the way for a just society. The Party celebrates its 40th founding anniversary with far greater resolve to serve the Filipino people to the fullest of its capacity.
32,000 MARK REACHED THIS APRIL: MORE VETERANS DYING WITHOUT BENEFITS (tags)
“The more the merrier” With this as a rule the Philippine and the US governments braces itself for more troubles as the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed today that there were more than 32,000 Filipino veterans have applied for lump sum benefits since February 2009. During the commemoration of 67th Bataan Day in Los Angeles last April 9, 2009, Los Angeles Deputy Consul Daniel Espiritu confirmed that there were more than 32,000 veterans who have applied and are having their claims processed in the Philippines and the United States. The problem of more applicants for the benefits still plagues the veterans.
MORE VETERANS APPLYING FOR BENEFITS; 32,000 MARK REACHED THIS APRIL (tags)
“The more the merrier” With this as a rule the Philippine and the US governments braces itself for more troubles as the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed today that there were more than 32,000 Filipino veterans have applied for lump sum benefits since February 20098. During the commemoration of 67th Bataan Day in Los Angeles last April 9, 2009, Los Angeles Deputy Consul Daniel Espiritu confirmed that there were more than 32,000 veterans who have applied and are having their claims processed in the Philippines and the United States. The problem of more applicants for the benefits still plagues the veterans.
EPCC STATEMENT OPPOSING AND CONDEMNING HR 737 (tags)
The Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) composed of different community and people’s organization in Los Angeles vehemently condemns and opposes the HR 737 or the Nograles Resolution seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions. The EPCC stands with the Filipino people and the Filipino American community that militantly oppose the treasonous bill only seeks favorable and one-sided benefits to foreign corporations and business and is virtually giving away the Philippines to foreigners.
LUMP SUM CHECKS OUT: MORE THAN 26,000 FILIPINO VETERANS ENROLLED FOR BENEFITS (tags)
The first batch of Filipino World War II veterans are about to receive their lump sum checks this month as promised by the Department of Veterans Administration (DVA) The DVA reported that they are assessing at least 776 applications and have approved the first batch of 195 checks that will be delivered this week to at least 18,000 veterans in the United States and the Philippines. A 98-year old ACFV lobbyist Alberto Bacani, from Alexandria , Virginia became the first Filipino veteran who received his $ 15,000 dollar check. This was given to him by retired general Antonio Taguba who represented the DVA Secretary in a special ceremony in the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC last April 8.
COMMEMORATE BATAAN DAY AND GRASP THE LESSONS OF THE VETERANS STRUGGLE (tags)
The Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) gives the Filipino Veterans a red salute for the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. We also pay tribute to both the living and the departed veterans of that war. Bataan is not only a symbol of resistance, Filipino patriotism and bravery but also a living testament of the Filipino people's will to fight and defeat fascism in the Philippines and the whole of Asia. Greatest Contribution It is one of he greatest contribution of the Filipino people to the free world in defeating fascism in Asia and liberating a large portion of the Philippines even before the Americans reoccupied the Philippines. In the process we lost one million people, our cities like Manila, Baguio and Dagupan and almost he whole Philippines were destroyed.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Bataan Day (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. For their heroism in Bataan, Corregidor and other battlefields in the Philippines, the brave soldiers and guerillas held the line for more than three months and farther on for another three more years waging a fierce war of resistance against the Japanese fascist invaders. For their bravery the American people should honor the Filipinos and reward them with the recognition and benefits that they deserve. Because of their steadfast defense, the men in Bataan -- the Allied powers most specially the United States bought time and was able to prepare defenses and later on wage a counter attack to liberate the countries occupied by Japan and eventually defeat Japan during the war.
The Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) (tags)
AWARE was formed after the passage of S. 1315 which excludes Filipinos veterans in the enhanced American veterans law of the 110th US Congress. This is the 2nd Recession Act of our time that discriminates against the Filipino World War II veterans. In its place, on February 17, 2009- the 111th US Congress passed the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestments Act (ARRA) that includes a one time-lump sum benefits for Filipino veterans. But the lump sum has quit claim, no recognition to the veterans and no benefits for Filipino World War II widows. Thus on December 8, 2008, the widows and relatives of veterans banded together and formed this organization-AWARE in Los Angeles and San Francisco to fight and advocate for equal rights. The widows started to get organized at first to support he veterans struggle but later to fight for themselves. They held their protests in July 25, 2008, September 22, 2008, February 18, 2009, March 9, 2009 and March 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other areas of the country.
Filipinos Join Nationwide Rallies Demanding US Troop Withdrawal (tags)
Filipino domestic workers, youth, veterans and allies of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace In the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) took part in national mobilizations this past Saturday, March 21, demanding the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines. The marches and rallies, organized by the International ANSWER Coalition, commemorated the sixth-year anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq.
More than 900 Veterans Have Applied for Lump Sum in Los Angeles (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reported today than more than 900 World War II veterans in Los Angeles area have applied for their claims for benefits to the veterans Administration.. This was learned by JFAV through its senior coordinator Faustino Baclig who is helping processing claims. The JFAV have not monitored the number of veterans who filed their claims directly to the Veterans Administration office.
Filipinos Join Nationwide Rallies Demanding US Troop Withdrawal on 6th-Year Anniversary of (tags)
Filipino domestic workers, youth, veterans and allies of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace In the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) took part in national mobilizations this past Saturday, March 21, demanding the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines. The marches and rallies, organized by the International ANSWER Coalition, commemorated the sixth-year anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq.
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. “
US OUT OF IRAQ, THE PHILIPPINES AND EVERYWHERE! (tags)
As the invasion of Iraq enters its seventh year, the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) continues to express militant greetings and solidarity to the people of Iraq, Philippines and everywhere who are fighting US imperialism and its forces of occupation. We stand with the people marching in the streets of Washington, DC today in the united cry “From Iraq to Afghanistan to Philippines and Palestine, OCCUPATION IS A CRIME!” The US thirst for war must end. The current administration is not ending the US wars of aggression, but is transferring the war to other countries like Afghanistan. We are reminded how Nixon said he wanted to end the unpopular war in Vietnam but escalated the war in Cambodia and Laos. By redeploying 30,000 or more troops to Afghanistan, threatening Iran, Pakistan and the Russian Federation, Obama is not proving to be much different from his predecessors
Just what kind of recognition and victory did the veterans get? The word “recognition” in the text of the Section 1002 of the stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama pertains exclusively for the purpose of issuing the lump sum. As soon as lump sum is issued, the recognition shall immediately disappear. Notice how the text was very clear in saying that the lump sum was a “compensation for human suffering.”— not a recognition of wartime heroism and valor. If the intention of this provision is to tax-exempt, then just say the lump sum is non-taxable, but without a condescending term as “human suffering.”
CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino- American veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Filipino- American veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now.
JFAV /WARE PROTEST WIDOWS EXCLUSION (tags)
LUMP SUM IS NOT EQUITY! Scores of activist and advocates led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the newly formed Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives of veterans for Equality (AWARE) held a protest rally at the INS Federal Building in 300 Los Angeles St in downtown LA in commemoration of International Women’s Day last March 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
JFAV RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY SUPPORT CRUCIAL (tags)
Scores of activist and advocates led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in a community forum held last Wednesday night, March 4 in Historic Filipinotown. They recognized the crucial role of community organizations especially the People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) who started the veterans struggle for equity 17 years ago and won some benefits including the lump sum in the Stimulus Law. The well attended community forum was held at the Community Hall of Search to Involve the Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles. SIPA is one of the community organizations recognized that night.
LUMP SUM IS NOT RECOGNITION. MUCH LESS EQUITY (tags)
This letter is in response to the column by Mr. Rodel Rodis that appeared in Philippines Today, Filam Star and Philippine News, and another by Senator Leland Yee in Manila Mail in the March 4-10 newspaper issue. Both writers much like leaders of the mendicant Philippine government herald the passage of the lump sum as a victory for the veterans in that their war service is now recognized, and that they finally got the benefits they deserve and fought for, for the last 63 years. Just what kind of recognition and victory did the veterans get? The word “recognition” in the text of the Section 1002 of the stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama pertains exclusively for the purpose of issuing the lump sum. As soon as lump sum is issued, the recognition shall immediately disappear. Notice how the text was very clear in saying that the lump sum was a “compensation for human suffering.”— not a recognition of wartime heroism and valor. If the intention of this provision is to tax-exempt, then just say the lump sum is non-taxable, but without a condescending term as “human suffering.”
FRANCIS MAGALONA, PEOPLE"S ARTIST, 44 (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) together with the Filipino American community in the United States mourns the passing of The 44-year-old musician, songwriter, record producer, actor and TV host Francis Magalona.last March 6, 2009 Francis Magalona was a foremost- a nationalist artist who loved his country. He was also known as the “master Rapper” .He was recognized for his painstaking efforts to elevate Pinoy rap beyond its novelty phase in the local music scene. The AJLPP recognizes Magalona who did not only lived for show business but also integrated his patriotic fervor in his life and his music and contributed a lot to its culture and arts. In the Philippines, rap was considered novelty music until Magalona came along. Magalona—influenced and made it as a commentary on Pinoy life and culture. Magalona recorded his debut album “Yo!” in 1990. The album became a hit with the single “Mga Kababayan,” whose lyrics about racial pride and love of country stirred nationalist fervor at a time when the Philippine government was besieged by a series of military revolts. His parents, Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, were film and TV matinee idols of the ’40s and ’50s. Pancho Magalona held the distinction of the First Filipino movie actor to appear in Hollywood. He was also known for starring in nationalist fims life “El Flibusterismo” and “Jikiri”
Statement of Solidarity for Filipino Workers of Hanjin Subic bay (tags)
We, the Filipino American community in the United States and their allies express our militant solidarity with Hanjin Shipyard workers in their struggle to unionize and thus end their deplorable working conditions which has led to at least 24 deaths. In January of this year, two more were killed while just as February began, 24 were hurt when a bus carrying workers to the shipyard overturned. We are appalled at the slow response of the Philippine Senate and the Executive branch and their failure to act on the continuing fatal accidents and deaths of workers at Hanjin Shipbuilding.
CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino American Veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Fil-am veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now.
CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino- American veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Filipino- American veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now. JFAV believes that the veterans, and widows or legal heirs of the deceased ones, deserve the full rights of naturalization and welfare benefits, including health and pension which the Rescission Act of 1946 has denied and the Stimulus Package has only partially fulfilled.
On the History of Veterans Equity Struggle (tags)
A certain lawyer from San Francisco wrote his own version of the 63 years Filipino veterans struggle for equity and justice. Patterned after the waves in the history of Filipino migration to the United States, he ended the history with a glorious victory for the lump sum and so-called recognition and he called it“ the rescinding of the rescission act.” Like a typical American historian/academician he tried to simplify it in “ five different and distinct phases”
VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION IN FACLA FEB 14 (tags)
The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) held an “Affair to Remember” in commemoration of Valentine’s Day last February 14 from 6:00 PM to 12:00 PM at the FACLA Social Hall. The program was capped by the coronation of Mrs. Valentine- Mrs. Alicia Albano Parino; Miss Valentine Ms. Carolyn Pesquiza Sabas and Miss Teen Valentine Ms. Kimberly Padua Esliza.
FIGHT RACISM ,FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses its opposition to the lump sum provision included in the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Section 1001. Title X. In the Stimulus bill that passed, the lump sum bill still has a “quit claim” or a foreclosure to any claim for a lifetime full pension benefit. While the $15, 000 for US citizens or $9,000 for non US citizens may provide temporary relief, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR RECOGNITION!
PHILIPPINES: Scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement now! (tags)
The secret Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) document exposed by Sen. Joker Arroyo is the latest in a string of arguments to hang the iniquitous agreement. The secret document is an insult that adds to the injury of Daniel Smith’s contempt of our justice system.
WW 2 Filipino vets, widows, students and activists Demand Full Recognition (tags)
The Filipino American community marked the 63rd Anniversary of the unjust Recission Act of 1946 last Feb 18, 2009 with different kinds of protests all over the United States. * In San Francisco, two hundred vets, students, widows, teachers and activists gathered in two separate events on Feb. 17 and Feb 18 to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act with protest, amidst celebration by the mendicant Philippine government and some pro- lump sum organizations in the US. “To date, our military service and courage in defending the US during World War 2 have never been fully recognized, so there is a reason for us to continue the fight!,” said Philippine Scout Gomer Bondad during a forum held at the Rosenberg Library of the City College of San Francisco. * In Los Angeles, more than a hundred veterans, widows and advocates gathered at the Veterans Memorial monument at Lake Street Park n February 18th. Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti and Congresswoman Royball-Allard graced the occasion as guests of honor.
LETTER OF SOLIDARITY TO HANJIN WORKERS IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
We, the Filipino American community in the United States and their allies express our militant solidarity with Hanjin Shipyard workers in their struggle to unionize and thus end their deplorable working conditions which has led to at least 24 deaths. In January of this year, two more were killed while just as February began, 24 were hurt when a bus carrying workers to the shipyard overturned. We are appalled at the slow response of the Philippine Senate and the Executive branch and their failure to act on the continuing fatal accidents and deaths of workers at Hanjin Shipbuilding. While we hold Hanjin, a South Korean transnational corporation employing 15,000 workers in the Philippines, directly accountable for the extremely unacceptable living and working conditions of Filipino workers, we equally hold the Philippine government complicit for acting against the country's national interests and against Filipino workers interests. We demand that the Philippine Government compel the Hanjin Shipyard company to clean up the docks and work areas, ensure worker safety, enforce environmental laws and provide just wages and benefits to Filipino workers.
LUMP SUM IS NOT EQUITY! (tags)
The approved lump sum included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009-- $15,000 for the US citizens and $9,000 for non-US citizens may provide temporary monetary relief for many. However, this is not a cause for celebration let alone thanksgiving. This is yet another piecemeal legislation that fails to address the grave injustices committed against the Filipinos when on February 18, 1946, the US Congress enacted the Rescission Act that deemed the US military services of the Filipinos inactive, thereby, denying them of their rights and privileges as American veterans. Of the at least 60 nationalities that served the US during World War 2, the Filipinos were singled out to receive unequal treatment as their American counterparts who fought side by side with them during the war.
JFAV BLASTS GOP ON VETERANS BENEFITS BILL (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) criticized the republicans in the US Congress for their unreasonable opposition to the $198-million Filipino veterans pension provision that found its way into President Barack Obama’s pet – the Economic Stimulus Bill. The veterans benefits is widely criticized by Republican members of Congress as having no place in the controversial and complex piece of legislation. They said the lump sum pension bill meant for about 18,000 Filipino veterans who fought side by side U.S. forces against the Japanese during World War II would “clutter” a bill that is already riddled with questionable and “wasteful earmarks.” “The Republicans like Senator Burr and Rep. Buyer readily forget they owe Filipino veterans a debt of gratitude for winning the war in the Pacific. They only want to bail-out the corporations not the people. Republicans and conservative” blue dog” democrats are outright ingrates!”, JFAV National Coordinator Arturo Garcia exclaimed.
SAN FRANCISCO VETS PETITIONS PELOSI ON STIMULUS BILL (tags)
A groups of San Francisco Filipino World War II veterans sent a petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the San Francisco State Building to expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill that now hangs by a thread. While the Stimulus bill passed the Senate last Tuesday, Feb 10, it will still go to a bicameral conference. The San Francisco Filipino veterans and their advocates sent the petition to the Speaker office last February 10, to make sure that it will not suffer the fate of S. 1315.
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR HANJIN WORKERS (tags)
We, the Filipino American community in the United States and their allies express our militant solidarity with Hanjin Shipyard workers in their struggle to unionize and thus end their deplorable working conditions which has led to at least 24 deaths. In January of this year, two more were killed while just as February began, 24 were hurt when a bus carrying workers to the shipyard overturned. We are appalled at the slow response of the Philippine Senate and the Executive branch and their failure to act on the continuing fatal accidents and deaths of workers at Hanjin Shipbuilding.
NO TO LUMP SUM WITHOUT FULL RECOGNITION,JUSTICE AND EQUITY, NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill is now hangs by a thread. While the US Senate passed the Stimulus bill, it will still go on a bicameral conference to settle its differences and the veterans befits bill is in danger of being dropped again. Senator Inouye inserted the benefits bill and promised to resign as Senate Appropriations chair if the Filipino veterans bill does not pass. On February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces.
NO TO LUMP SUM WITHOUT RECOGNITION (tags)
Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill is now hangs by a thread. This February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces. If this is not outright racism, what is this?
THE FILIPINO SPIRIT IN THE REMAKING OF AMERICA (tags)
Today, we celebrate our misa ng bayan with great hopes for brighter days of economic and moral recovery and renewal under our new President Barack Obama. It is certainly heartening and uplifting to know that we have a lot to hope and be thankful for after this nation demonstrated great courage by electing the first black, indeed, the first colored man in history, to the presidency. It brings much satisfaction after periods of intense crises and conflicts under the Bush administration, remembering 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the economic meltdown that continues to wreck havoc on us andespecially the common workers not only in the United States but all over the globe. After passing through the bleakest of days we earnestly hope to see light.
THE FILIPINO SPIRIT IN THE REMAKING OF AMERICA (tags)
Today, we celebrate our misa ng bayan with great hopes for brighter days of economic and moral recovery and renewal under our new President Barack Obama. It is certainly heartening and uplifting to know that we have a lot to hope and be thankful for after this nation demonstrated great courage by electing the first black, indeed, the first colored man in history, to the presidency. It brings much satisfaction after periods of intense crises and conflicts under the Bush administration, remembering 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the economic meltdown that continues to wreck havoc on us andespecially the common workers not only in the United States but all over the globe. After passing through the bleakest of days we earnestly hope to see light.
SCPASA SUMMIT HELD IN RIVERSIDE, JAN 31 (tags)
The Southern California Pilipino American Student Alliance (SCPASA) held their 2009 Summit at the University of California, Riverside this Saturday, January 31st. It was attended by more or less 200 students who attended different workshops given by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), FAIR. PWC and other resource speakers.KmB Secretary General Ernest Tamayo was the keynote speaker.
NO LUMP SUM WITHOUT RECOGNITION (tags)
We stand to educate and politicize the community on the issue as opposed to the advice of the Philippine government’s representative for veterans to “keep quiet for the next four months.” We empower the Filipino and the American communities if they know the historical injustice, facts and options as only an educated people can bring about real change to the how the US government regard the veterans. Veterans and advocates for genuine equity are on a crossroad now. Is it lump sum first or full recognition and lifetime pension benefit right away? This paper attempts to provoke discussion among veterans, widows, families, advocates and the public in general.
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.
OUR HOPES AND DREAMS; FIGHT RACISM AND STRUGGLE AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION! (tags)
On January 20,2009 a new President- An African American named Barack Obama will be inaugurated in Washington DC. To many, the dream that racism is no more is reality and the dreams of equality for all will be achieved. But not for the Filipino American community who still feel the fangs of racism at the hands the US Congress. On September 22, the US Congress House of Representatives passed the SB 1315 or the American Veterans Benefits Enhancement Bill, But they removed the whole section that pertains to Filipino World War II veterans. They excluded again the Filipinos, in a blatant act of racism in the law.
Filipino hotel workers, among Long Beach’s poorest (tags)
Filipino couple Rogelio and Wilhemina de Vera, both 72 years old, who live in the “Cambodian projects” on Cherry Street, belong to the approximately 90,000 or almost 20 percent, of Long Beach residents who live under the federal poverty line. Half a million Filipinos make Long Beach or LA County—which ranks sixth in the nation for concentration of poverty—their home. “I am living paycheck to paycheck which is very hard because I still support some of my relatives back home,” Rogelio, a service van driver at a five-star Long Beach hotel, told Philippine News. “So I really appreciate that some organizations are helping me and my family
MORE than 10,000 MARCH IN WESTWOOD FOR PALESTINE (tags)
More than 10,000 Protestors marched on Westwood, Los Angeles in a big show of solidarity and support for Palestine and the besieged people of Gaza. At the van of the march were Palestinian flag draped coffins symbolizes the death and destruction in Gaza wrought by Us-Israel war machine terrorists.
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.
AJLPP Year End Report, 2008 (tags)
The year 2008 started with a flurry of activities with the anti-war movement marking the 5th year of the US-occupation of Iraq and the War Against Terror and ended with a militant rallies at the Israeli Consulate against the siege and bombing of Gaza on Dec. 30,2008. As an opening salvo, the AJLPP participated in the first ever Women’s March Against the War in Los Angeles led by the GABNET of the MARIPOSA ALLIANCE that drew more than 800 people. The AJLPP also supported the militant Screen Actors Guild Strike in Hollywood. The AJLPP mobilized its forces together with its allies against the successive visits of US prime puppet Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in July in the East Coast and November on the West Coast
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.
NEW FACLA BOARD FOR 2009-2011 ASSUMES OFFICEEXECUTIVE OFFICERS FOR 2009-11 (tags)
The new FACLA Board for 2009-2011 led by the new FACLA president Rizalino Manuel of Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) was sworned –in to office last Sunday,January 4. 2009 at FACLA Community Hall. Attended by more than a hundred guests and FACLA members,sworned in as new executive officers were Rizalino Manuel, President;Adolfino Aguayon -1st Vice Pesident; Terry Herrera as 2nd Vice President; Gloria Resureccion as 3rd Vice President; Darlene Salvador as Secretary; Cris Florendo as Treasurer and Romy Jaravata as Auditor.
THE FILIPINO AMERICAN LIBRARY OUTREACHES TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY (tags)
The first and largest Filipino library in the country continues to share Filipino children’s books to families around Greater Los Angeles. Through its Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have events on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Panorama City Branch Library (14345 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City 91402) and Saturday, January 31 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Filipino American Library (135 N. Park View St., Los Angeles 90026). Please RSVP to these free events by contacting filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.
"BALER'- A MOVIE FOR NEO-COLONIALISM (tags)
“Baler,” winner for best picture in the present Metro Manila Film Festival, is the first feature film made of the siege of Baler- the last Spanish outpost to surrender to revolutionary forces during the revolutionary war of 1896. The Siege of Baler was based on the diary Spanish Lt. Col. Martin Cerezo, commander of a garrison of Spanish soldiers in Baler, Tayabas( now called the Quezon province), during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. By December 10, 1898, the Spanish-American War had already ended; Spanish forces in the Philippines, Cuba and elsewhere had already surrendered but the Spanish garrison in Baler didn’t know it. Their headquarters in Iloilo (the last capital of Spain in the Philippines to surrender), forgot to tell them. Katipuneros attacked the 57-man garrison and the Spaniards took shelter in the town church. Instead of rushing the church, the Filipino colonel decided to surround the church with his more superior forces and wait for the Spaniards to run out of food and is forced to surrender. He did not expect the tenacity and fighting spirit of the Spaniards. The siege lasted almost a year, exactly 338 days. Col. Martin Cerezo recounted in his diary the suffering of his soldiers inside the besieged church.
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.
ACTIVIST CONTINUE PROTESTS THROUGHOUT CHRISTMAS (tags)
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, remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Despite failing energy, living FilVets stay active on the road, making their presence felt in mass actions and community gatherings, and taking the opportunity to speak their minds. On December 8, JFAV announced the formation of a partner organization, the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (Aware) at a meeting held at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) here. In San Francisco, FilVets Gomer Bondad and Reggie Nacua, with activists Ago Pedalizo and Violy Reyes, discussed the seemingly unresolved impasse on the lump sum clause of SB 36879, now pending in the US Congress, at a community meeting held at the ABS-CBN studio in Redwood City last December 10
PCORE/ JFAV JOINS 4th FILIPINO HISTORICTOWN LANTERN PARADE (tags)
Maligayang Pasko! Scores of Filipino World War II Veterans with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marched along the busy Temple Street sidewalks together with more than a hundred seniors, young students and residents from the Manila Terrace Apartments to Search to Involve The Pilipino Americans (SIPA) compound with lighted lanterns or ” Parols “last Friday, December 19. Meanwhile, the JFAV-San Francisco held their Christmas program with a potluck lunch at the Wolff’s House in downtown San Francisco last Dec. 14. More than 60 veterans and widows attended the Christmas party.
JFAV/PEOPLE”S CORE PARTICIPATES IN 4th HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LANTERN PARADE (tags)
Maligayang Pasko! Scores of Filipino World War II Veterans with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marched along the busy Temple Street sidewalks together with more than a hundred seniors, young students and residents from the Manila Terrace Apartments to Search to Involve The Pilipino Americans (SIPA) compound with lighted lanterns or ” Parols “last Friday, December 19. The Parol parade started at around 5:15 PM. Filipino American organizations like People’s CORE, veterans, students and parents from Burlington School, Pilipino American Democrats of Los Angeles(PALAD), Filipino Christian Church( FCC), Lord of Harvest Ministry, GEPENC, JFAV, PANA, TWNDC and SIPA marched up Temple St through the sidewalks.
PESANTE CONDEMNS JR 19 OF PHILIPPINE CONGRESS (tags)
“Cats with gloves cannot catch mice” The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA vehemently condemns the anti-peasant Joint Resolution No. 19. Passed by the Philippine Congress before it went to its Christmas season recess. Pesante-USA stands with and wholeheartedly support the walk-out of progressive party list members and their principled opposition to the landlord schemes. ( Below is the full text of the progressive party list statement) After more than twenty years of sham land reform we contemptuously called “BIGAY-BAWI”, the ruling clique of the US-Arroyo regime who are prime despotic landlords in their respective areas, consolidated their hold like the landlords of El Salvador and Colombia and really are counter-revolutionaries at heart.
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 TRIBUTE TO VETERANS FIGHTER FOR FREEDOM- JACK TEJADA (tags)
We, in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) now, a full pledged national organization based in Los Angeles ,salutes and pay the highest tribute to Jack Tejada. He was a tireless freedom fighter in the fullest meaning of the word. Commander Jack Tejada is from New Jersey but he represents all the veterans in the United States wherever they maybe. He is regular lobbyist in Washington D.C He fought for our freedom as a soldier of the Philippines and America. And did his part in winning World War II. But he did not stop there. He continued to fight for freedom and justice for the benefits and the recognition that they truly deserve and was taken away from them
AJLPP SUPPORTS DEC 12 MASS ACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Today, in commemoration of International Human Rights Day all over the world the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) based in the United States and the Filipino American community also strongly and militantly supports the mass actions on December 12th against the charter change in the Philippines. We stand in solidarity with stalwarts of the opposition and all the progressive lawmakers for standing up against tyrant puppet of the US Imperialist Gloria Arroyo and her cohorts who wanted to change the charter by unlawful means.
WIDOWS AND RELATIVES OF FILIPINO VETERANS FORMED AWARE DEC 8 IN LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) together with the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) formed Association of Widow and Relatives of Veterans for Equality or AWARE last Monday, at 10:00 AM December 8, 2008 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) at Fountain St/Vermont, CA 90027. This as they commemorate the formal entry of the United States into the Second World War with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, 67 years ago.
GABNet Demands Recognition of Widows', Relatives' sacrifice for War Vets (tags)
GABNet of the Mariposa Alliance applauds the determination of the widows, wives and relatives of Filipino World War II veterans to struggle against the official and legitimized racist discrimination embodied by the Rescission Act of 1946, as well as the sexism embodied by the removal of provisions for widows and relatives from the Filipino WWII Veterans Equity Bill. GABNet extends its support to AWARE, the Association of Widows and Relatives for Equality. GABNet holds that care and support for those who are mobilized for wars decided by governments should be a public, rather than a private, concern. It is ironic that the US government is always quick to provide funds for the reconstruction of buildings, roads, plants and factories but consistently stalls and delays when it comes to the rehabilitation of peoples. It was quick to provide war damages funds to the property owners of the Philippines, even as it passed the Rescission Act of 1946 which effectively deprived Filipino WWII veterans of equal benefits as the American GI.
AJLPP SUPPORTS DEC 12 MASS ACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) National Coordinator Mario Santos vehemently condemns in the highest terms the GMA schemes to change the constitution by a constituent assembly she controlled, Therefore, the AJLPP based in the United States and the Filipino American community also strongly and militantly supports the mass actions on December 12th against the charter change and against the imperial and fascist presidency of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo in Manila and the rest of the Philippines.
AJLPP Support the Protest Vs Charter Change Dec 12 in the Phiippines (tags)
ntly condemns in the highest terms the GMA controlled House of Representatives led by well known GMA puppets Speaker Prospero Nograles that the impeachment complaint by voting it down by a vote of 183-21 Last December 2. The AJLPP also hail the Thai people in their recent victory against the deposed Thai prime minister Songchai who was ordered to quit by Thai Constitutional court for cheating in the elections. The AJLPP based in the United States and the Filipino American community also strongly and militantly supports the mass actions on December 12th against the charter change and against the imperial and fascist presidency of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo in Manila and the rest of the Philippines.
WIDOWS AND RELATIVES OF FILIPINO VETERANS WILL FORM GROUP FOR EQUITY AND BENEFITS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) together with the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) will hold an organizing meeting for widows and relatives of Filipino World War II veterans on Monday, at 10:00 AM December 8, 2008 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center at Fountain St/Vermont, CA 90027. The event will mark the formal entry of the United States into the Second World War with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
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.
NO THANKSGIVING GIFT FOR FILIPINO VETERANS (tags)
The long wait for veterans benefits and equity still goes on as Thanksgiving Day sets in without the much awaited results from the US Congress lame duck session. According to JFAV representative and World War II Veteran from San Francisco, Mr. Reggie Nacua who went to lobby with the ACFV in Washington DC reported that the Senate instead passed in its hearings -the S. 3869 also known as the Filipino Veterans Support Bill.
SCARED GMA RAN AWAY TO PERU AS FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY PICKETS (tags)
OUST GMA, YOU’RE OUSTED! YOU’RE BUSTED! US puppet Gloria Arroyo just ran scared as she always does, this time to the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. This while hundreds of activist from the ALLIANCE for a JUST and LASTING PEACE in the PHILIPPINES (AJLPP), ANSWER-LA and GABNET/LA and their allies turned out in full force Friday, November 21, 2008, 6 PM, with a picket and a rally in front of the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, to protest her supposed reception for the community in the US.
GMA RAN AWAY SCARED TO PERU AS FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY WITH THE AJLPP RALLY/PICKETS AT (tags)
OUST GMA, YOU’RE OUSTED! YOU’RE BUSTED! US puppet Gloria Arroyo just ran scared and as she always does to the APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. This while hundreds of activist from the ALLIANCE for a JUST and LASTING PEACE in the PHILIPPINES (AJLPP), ANSWER-LA and GABNET and their allies turned out in full force Friday, November 21, 2008, 6 PM, with a picket and a rally in front of the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, to protest her supposed community reception to the community in the US.
PROTEST US-ARROPO REGIME, NOV.20 (tags)
Join us to protest US puppet Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo! DATE: Friday, November 21, 2008 TIME: 5:00pm PLACE: Sheraton LAX Gateway Hotel.6101 West Century Blvd. LA, CA 90045
PETITION FOR THE US CONGRESS (tags)
e: www.myspace.com/jfavla PETITION FOR THE US CONGRESS TO IMMEDIATELY CALL A JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AND RECONCILE FILIPINO VETERANS BILLS NOW! Restore Section 4 of SB 1315 for the Filipino Veterans and junk HR 6897—the quit claim bill. We call on the US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee and reconcile SB 1315 and HR 6897, which were both passed at the House of Representatives last September 22, 2008.
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.
JFAV PETITION TO US CONGRESS (tags)
Restore Section 4 of SB 1315 for the Filipino Veterans and junk HR 6897—the quit claim bill. We call on the US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee and reconcile SB 1315 and HR 6897, which were both passed at the House of Representatives last September 22, 2008. We demand that the joint US Congress conference committee restore the provision in SB 1315 on the Filipino Veterans, the full recognition and benefits for the last surviving veterans, for the widows and relatives of the Filipino World War II Veterans.
UFAV Induction of New Officers for 2008-2010 (tags)
The newly inducted officers of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) for 2008-2010 were sworn–in by Rep. Lucille Roybal Allard of the 34th District last November 14, 2008 at the 3rd Floor of the Angelus Plaza , 255 N. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) congratulates the new set of UFAV officers. UFAV was organized in 1984 and was always in the forefront of the veterans equity struggle. UFAV is a member of JFAV organized in 1998.
THOUSANDS MARCHED AT THE ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LA NOV.8 (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the 8th Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) 8th VETERANS DAY PARADE and Community Fair NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. The march and Community Fair started and ended at the at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had started at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies. The solemn tribute started with the national anthems sung by TINIG ng UCLA and the honor guards call on the line. And then the group of community leaders laid a wreath at the memorial monument. Dr. Ben Marte and Mo Nishida led the ecumenical services.
OBAMA'S VICTORY AND THE FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY (tags)
Many have been said about the historical significance of the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States Some says that the this is the apex of the four centuries, of African Americans enslavement, Jim Crow segregation, lynch mob terror and racist discrimination manifested in countless ways. Other says a final blow to racism against African Americans and other oppressed nationalities that has in reality been far more integral to so called American democracy. It will not suffice to say millions of people yearned for real change, for an end to war, unemployment, foreclosures, and more. The popular revolt expressed in millions of voters turning out, millions out in the streets waiting for the result of the election is an outpouring never seen before in American history. The sight of millions out in the streets of major cities like Washington DC, New York. Chicago and other areas for sure, send jitters to some of the ruling class who labeled Obama as “socia
VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATIONS TO BE HELD NATIONWIDE FROM NOV. 6-11, 2008 (tags)
“Despite delays in passing the Filipino Veterans benefits and equity bill in the US Congress this year, the Filipino American community is highly hopeful the reconciled bill will pass this year. This will be the focus of the Veterans Day commemoration nationwide from Hawaii to Washington DC ” JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia boldly announced this optimistic prediction.
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE 8th ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LA NOV.8 (tags)
It’s all systems go for the 8th Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) 8th VETERANS DAY PARADE and Community Fair NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. “Despite delays in passing the Filipino Veterans equity bill in the US Congress this year, the Filipino American community is highly hopeful the reconciled bill will pass this year. This will be the focus of the 8th Veterans Day parade.” JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia boldly announced this optimistic prediction. The march and Community Fair will be held at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had three parts: The first part is the commemorative rites that starts at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies.
The Filipino American Library presents Free Bus Tours of Historic Filipinotown (tags)
What is Filipino about Historic Filipinotown? The Filipino American Library (FAL) answers this question in its Bus Tours of Historic Filipinotown on Saturday, November 22 at FAL (135 N. Park View St., Los Angeles 90026). Four 1.5-hour tours will begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm. To reserve a seat, please contact filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488. While the tours are free, space is limited and they usually fill up in advance.
FILNER AND LENO SIGNS FILIPINO WWII PETITION (tags)
After an interview with Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and chief sponsor of HR 6897, by a local news reporter, Filipino World War 2 Veterans confronted Filner in the war memorial building and aired their demands for US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee to reconcile Filipino Veterans bills, restore Section 4 of S1315 and junk HR 6897- the quit claim bill. Veteran Simplicio Yoma in front of the camera asked Filner, “Will you sign this, Sir?’ Inspite of hesitation claiming that he still has to talk with senators and other congress leaders, Filner signed the petition.
JFAV CONFRONTS FILNER IN SAN FRANCISCO, DEMANDS RECOGNITION AND EQUITY (tags)
A strong delegation of the Filipino American Veterans led by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) –San Francisco met and dialogued with Congressman Bob Filner in the San Francisco War Memorial last night, October 30. The veterans led by Commander Mordeno and Yoma and JFAV’s Augustus Pedalizo confronted Filner while on a break on his address to American Vietnam War veterans and reiterated their call for the reconciled bill and the convening of the joint conference committee on the lameduck session of the US Congress on November 17, 2008.
AJLPP Blast Pro-Imperialist 2nd GFMD in Manila (tags)
On behalf of the of the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) we express our militant solidarity for the all the mass actions and protests against the Manila ‘s Second Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said: “ The AJLPP and the Filipino American community in the United States strongly condemns the United nations (UN) pro-imperialist and anti-migrant GMFD framework and agenda of the conference in Manila. The agenda of the conference lay bare the exploitative foundation and consequences of so-called neoliberal globalization on the lives of migrants, refugees and their families.
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.
On the 64th Year of the Leyte Landing (tags)
While we in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) are commemorating 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 in Los Angeles, it is gratifying to note that even the Americans have unsung heroes. I reprinted an article written by retired general Ramon Farolan about a great American hero, forgotten by his countrymen. The same forgetfulness the American public does to the Filipino World War II veterans. Some people only celebrates victories. They try forget the past nor study its lessons. Let this article speaks for itself.
FIGHT THE SECOND JAPANESE INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
The Filipino Community and all concerned Filipino Americans in the United States vehemently condemn the Senate's railroading of the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) on Wednesday night. October 8th.. Pro-Japan collaborators also known as the modern MAKAPILIS, the sixteen senators led by JPEPA's sponsors Senators Miriam Santiago and Mar Roxas (whose grandfather was a Japanese and an American puppet) have compromised the country's national patrimony and sovereignty by approving a patently one-sided, anti-Filipino economic treaty.
OPPOSE JANP-RP TREATY (JPEPA), STRUGGLE AGAINST JAPANESE IMPERIALISM (tags)
The Filipino Community and all concerned Filipino Americans in the United States vehemently condemn the Senate's railroading of the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) on Wednesday night. October 8th.. Pro-Japan collaborators also known as the modern MAKAPILIS, the sixteen senators led by JPEPA's sponsors Senators Miriam Santiago and Mar Roxas (whose grandfather was a Japanese and an American puppet) have compromised the country's national patrimony and sovereignty by approving a patently one-sided, anti-Filipino economic treaty. This is a reminiscence of how the Philippine Senate in 1972 passed the RP-Japan Treaty of Amity that opened the Philippines to the exploitation and oppression of the Japanese Imperialists.
Racism- Alive, Brave and Strong (tags)
As a Filipino-American, one lesson I learned in America, Americans are very frank but indirect. Very blunt but courteous. That is the face of racism in the United States today. The Democratic Party choose Barack Obama as their candidate but before that, a lot of Clinton supporters were sacked for uttering racist remarks. They want to prove that racism is a thing of the past in America. But they are mistaken.
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.
BAILOUT THE FILIPINO VETERANS NOT THE CAPITALIST (tags)
Today, we protest the racist attacks against the Filipino World War II Veterans. Again, the fast disappearing Filipino World War II veterans and the seniors were the first victims of the Bush $700 capitalist bailout. We gather today at the foot of the monument to the Spanish-American War of 1898. At proof that the United States occupied the Philippines and colonized the Philippines. And that on 1941, when the Second World War broke out, we have to fight a war that is not of our own making. Filipinos were ordered and conscripted into the United States army and were ordered to fight for the war. But the United States refuse to honor the wartime services of the Filipinos saying the fought for their own country. What a shame!
BAILOUT THE VETERANS NOT THE CAPITALIST (tags)
Today, we protest the racist attacks against the Filipino World War II Veterans. Again, the fast disappearing Filipino World War II veterans and the seniors were the first victims of the Bush $700 capitalist bailout. The US Congress again insulted the veterans and Filipino American community by passing SB 1315 bill minus their recognition and one billion's worth in benefits.
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 Hits US Filipino Puppets Defense of US Imperialist Intervention in the Philippines (tags)
The puppetry of US running dogs known no bound. The Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) strongly condemns high handed brazen US intervention particularly in Mindanao, which is legal, according to a contingent of the Legislative Oversight on the Visiting Forces Agreement (Lovfa) of both chambers of Congress.
SAT, OCT 25 – Filipino Children’s Reading Event in Chino Hills (tags)
For the very first time, the largest Filipino library in the country will share Filipino children’s books to families in San Bernardino County. Through its Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have an event on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00-4:00pm at the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library (2003 Grand Ave., Chino Hills 91709). It is recommended for children ages 4-10. Please RSVP to filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.
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.
When Japan surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945, we who had fought as regular army or as guerrillas suddenly became veterans. The terrible war was finally over and everybody looked to picking up the pieces in a regime of peace. From what I read in the papers, the pension is not much. But the feeling among most veterans seems to be that whatever the pension may finally be, it will be better than nothing. The Americans have pummeled the Filipino veterans into submission. He now goes around with a begging bowl in hand. This is the greatest insult and the most pitiful tragedy.
BAILOUT THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS< NOT THE CAPITALIST CROOKS! (tags)
Good news! The US Congress extended their sessions for the next two weeks because the bailout bill was defeated in the lower house. For us this will a new window of opportunity to pass the SB 1315 with recognition and restored benefits for our WWI veterans. The next two weeks Sept 30-OCT 10, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897 that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans.
ACT NOW FOR FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY (tags)
The next two weeks SEPT 26-OCT 9, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897- the inequity bill that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans. For the latest news, the lower house has alloted $ 198 million for the benefits under the HB 6897 as a result of our actions. Are we contented with this? NO! A MILLION TIMES NO! While the US Congress will bail out crooked and corrupt corporations with our money, they give pennies to our veterans? We say PASS 1315 and restore Section 4 for Filipino veterans and trash HB 6897 ( Filner's Folly) - the quit claim bill!
Fight Racism, Struggle for Filipino Veterans Rights (tags)
The next two weeks SEPT 26-OCT 9, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897- the inequity bill that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans. For the latest news, the lower house has alloted $ 198 million for the benefits under the HB 6897 as a result of our actions. Are we contented with this? NO! A MILLION TIMES NO! The US Congress will bail out crooked and corrupt corporations with our money, they give pennies to our veterans? We say PASS 1315 and restore their benefits.
A Posthumous Concern, Another kind of Racism (tags)
VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES in the Far East (Usaffe) here at home and in America thought that, at long last, the US Congress was poised to pass legislation addressing their generations-old claim for benefits. But as the American economy unraveled, politicians began sniping at the bills (pending before the US Congress) aimed at increasing the benefits of Filipino veterans. Filipino-American veterans groups and lobbyists began to fear that the promise to bring the bill to a vote in the US House of Representatives would fall by the wayside. No one, of course, predicted that the US Congress would be plunged into a crisis atmosphere by US President George W. Bush’s proposed bailout, which the US Senate and House Democrats have agreed to, but whose approval has been delayed and, possibly, foiled by a group of House Republicans anxious they will be defeated in November if they vote for a bailout.
RP's Sorreta Must stop Being An Apologist for the US Congress (tags)
We, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) take exception and criticized the apologies of Philippine Embassy Charge d’ affaires Carlos Sorreta that after the passage of SB 1315 minus the Filipino provisions “that the quest for justice should not be divisive” In the first we ask who is dividing whom? This is the first time that all Filipino veterans groups, the community and all our allies are united against HB 6897 which is a quit claim bill and for SB 1315. The fact that SB 1315 passed the US Senate with a vote of 96-1 is a testament of that unity.
NO TO RACISM AND BIGOTRY (tags)
Yesterday, we came to San Francisco Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protest and express our support to SB 1315 and opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner. HR 6897. As we protest, we heard that SB 1315 passed but take out all provisions pertaining to our veterans. This says the Congress does not recognize their war time services and do not give the same benefits as our American counterparts have. It is an insult to Filipino American community and the historical contributions of the Filipino people who lost one million lives in the war.
OPEN LETTER TO REP. MIKE HONDA, 15th District,CA (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. First, we would like to express our deep appreciation for championing the cause of Filipino World War II veterans. We are very thankful to you and the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus that despite the grandstanding of Congressman Bob Filner, you are sincerely on our side. We would like to express our opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner which is a quit claim and an insult to our veterans and the Filipino American community. We want you to support the House version of SB 1315. Stay steadfast on the course- PASS THE House version of SB 1315 Now!
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.”
PASS THE HOUSE VERSION OF SB 1315, NOW! (tags)
It’s been 18 years running and with less than a week left, the house version of SB 1315 still hangs in a balance. The democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi have not authorized the bill to be discussed or voted on the floor since April. House veterans affairs committee chairman Bob Filner, running for re-election in California’s heavily ethnic southern San Diego district, has offered a compromise bill that would provide a one-time, lump-sum payment of $15,000 for US-based Filipino veterans and $9,000 for those in the Philippines. JFAV and ACFV and other veterans advocates have rejected the Filner proposal, confident that S-1315 still has a chance. “The way we see it,” says Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) leader Arturo P.Garcia said: “The Democrats are not doing their job. We voted them into office to pass this bill. But now, they are not moving and making the same empty promises.”
JFAV PURSUES PASSAGE OF THE HOUSE VERSION OF SB 1315, DISAPPOINTED WITH PELOSI (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) coordinator Arturo P. Garcia expressed this stand and say they are seriously disappointed with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Bob Filner, head of the House of Representatives Veterans Committee who said that "S. 1315 is dead because the democrats do not have the 2/3 majority votes needed to pass it." JFAV also expressed disenchantment with the democrats when Filner further said, "Speaker Pelosi can crack the whip for the 40 or so Democrats holding out but she won't. She is concerned that their (40+ Reps) re-election bids will be affected by this vote. [Filner] does not agree but [he] does not have the whip.
PHILIPPINES: Suspend US Military Deployments to Mindanao (tags)
A broad coalition of NGOs, social movements, and political parties from Mindanao and the rest of the country today called for all US military deployments in Mindanao suspended pending the conclusion of a fair and thorough probe by lawmakers.
Philippine Government Launches New War on Muslim Groups (tags)
War officially came to southern Philippines again as the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unilaterally put an end to eleven years of negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) September 3. A month early the government abruptly broke off talks with the MILF on the eve of signing an autonomy pact. There are numerous reports of U.S. Special Forces accompanying Philippines Army units on their deadly sweeps in the Bangsamoro (land of the Moro people) region. More than 100 people have been killed so far and half a million refugees have fled from the fighting. Bourgeois liberals and the petty-bourgeois left lamely call on the government to resume the “peace process,” which in any case was only intended to wear down the insurgents. Revolutionaries instead seek to mobilize Philippine workers to drive out all U.S. forces, whatever their legal status; to force the withdrawal of the AFP from the contested southern areas; and to defend the Bangsamoro people and their right to self-determination.
17th FPAC, A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS (tags)
he week-end of September 6 and 7th was not a typical day. On those two days, the 17th Festival of Filipino Arts and Culture (FPAC) came back with vengeance. While some detractors believed the FPAC is dead and some of them even did their own festival in the suburbs of Los Angeles , for two days, more than 15,000 people flocked to the festival grounds at Point Fermin in San Pedro and enjoyed the display of Filipino and Filipino American sounds and furies and affirmed that FPAC is vibrant, alive and filled with enthusiasm.
Letter to Cong. Bob Filner, Pass the House Version of SB 1315, Now! (tags)
While we, as a Filipino-American community, always appreciate your efforts for the Filipino veterans, we do not agree with the direction you are taking. But, we will ask you to go an extra mile for our cause and let it not be you who will let it go to waste after 18 years of long, hard struggle. We want equity, we want justice, and we want it now! Pass the House version of S. 1315 now!
NO RICE CRISIS IN THE PHILIPPINES: MAYOR JOJO BINAY IN LA VISIT (tags)
“There is no rice crisis in the Philippines. It is an artificial crisis created by the GMA administration in the urban areas o use for its political maneuvers and economic benefits” This was the stand of Presumptive presidential candidate for the President of the Philippines. Makati Ciy mayor Jejomar Binay when asked about the rice crisis in the Philippines. Binay held a press conference at Bahay Kubo restaurant in Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles, August 27,2008. Addressing a jam packed hall with Filipino community leaders from all over California. ” The real rice crisis happened in 1964 at the time of President Diosdado Macapagal. That was the real rice crisis when everybody even the rich and poorest was lining up for the rice. I was very young then and I still remember.
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.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
e are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as 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 vote despite several promises.
OBAMA SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT (tags)
Democrat presumptive candidate Senator Barack Obama completes the turn to the right. By picking the pro-War Senator JoeBiden as a running mate, he sought to appeal to the most backward sectors of the U.S. voting population and to show the ruling class that he is not really a liberal. Obama affirmed the fact that he is insecure of Clinton and he cannot hold a candle to Hillary Clinton in rightist policy making. He proved that he is not the man for himself and he is being lead by other policy makers like the Kennedy clan. The Filipino American community primarily the elite among democrats--immigrants, working and oppressed people are all left out. As usual neither candidate speaks in their interests, even thought the vast majority of workers are against the war and favor maintaining abortion rights.
OBAMA SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT (tags)
Democrat presumptive candidate Senator Barack Obama completes the turn to the right. By picking the pro-War Senator JoeBiden as a running mate, he sought to appeal to the most backward sectors of the U.S. voting population and to show the ruling class that he is not really a liberal. Obama affirmed the fact that he is insecure of Clinton and he cannot hold a candle to Hillary Clinton in rightist policy making. He proved that he is not the man for himself and he is being lead by other policy makers like the Kennedy clan. The Filipino American community primarily the elite among democrats--immigrants, working and oppressed people are all left out. As usual neither candidate speaks in their interests, even thought the vast majority of workers are against the war and favor maintaining abortion rights.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as 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 vote despite several promises. Time and excuses are running out. We demand that your office and all the members of the House of Representatives to act now and house version of S.B. 1315 now!
FAL Children’s Reading Program --- Aug. 30 in Montebello & Sep. 6 in San Pedro (tags)
The first and largest Filipino library in the country continues to share Filipino children’s books to families around Greater Los Angeles. Through its new Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have events on Saturday, August 30 at 2:00-4:00pm at the Asian Pacific Resource Center (Montebello Regional Library, 1550 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello 90640) and Saturday, September 6 at 1:00-3:00pm at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture – FPAC (Point Fermin Park, 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro 90731). They are recommended for children ages 3-8. Please RSVP to filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.
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.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as 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 vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as 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 vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday.
Gloria "Makapal" Arroyo's SONA: as usual and of course (tags)
As usual, Gloria Arroyo resorted to lies, stage gimmicks, misrepresentation, misdirection, and statistical hocus pocus to conceal the true state of the nation. Of couse, she again did all these with her characteristic overbearing aplomb. As usual, she blamed the global crisis for the current national crisis. Of course, she failed to mention her role in implementing the imperialist policies of globalization, liberalization, and VAT collection that have led to greater impoverishment, hunger, and desperation among the Filipino masses.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
Dear Ms. Speaker, We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as 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 vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday.
JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW! (tags)
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.
A CALL TO ACTION: PASS THE EQUITY BILL, NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, students, youth and community advocates calls on all Filipinos, Filipino Americans and allies to write to Speaker of the House Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and 245 congresspersons to discuss and pass the equity bill, HB 760 pending before the lower house of the US Congress, NOW! Last July 18 and 19, during the emergency conference of the JFAV ,Filipino veterans groups like PAVA-SC, SGS and UFAV with the Washington ACFV we decided to ask for a vote on th HR 760 on the floor of the US Congress. This is after a long wait and the promise of Speaker Pelosi that " if we got 290 votes she will put the bill on the floor." We feel that at most we have 220 votes to pass the bill. Waiting for 290 will just delay the bill to eternity. For four times, Congressman Bob Filner and Pelosi promised to pass the bill for the last two years to no avail. Please email, write them letters and call or fax their offices for them to act on the bill ASAP. The US Congress is ending its session by August 31. Remember its election time this year. Let not the elections sidetrack our advocacy for our veterans.
It's make-or-break for Pinoy vets' bill (tags)
World War II veteran Guillermo Rumingan had a teleconference with other veterans and their supporters and plotted what could be the last chapter of a historic run to push the Filipino Veterans’ Equity Bill. From Hawaii to California to Washington State to Virginia, they weighed their options that seemed to thin with each passing hour. After a triumphant 96-1 Senate vote to pass S-1315, which contained provisions for Filipino veterans’ equity, the bill is now stalled in the House of Representatives. Although the 110th Congress is scheduled to hold sessions until the last week of September, veterans activists are looking at the week beginning August 4 as the last window to realize an over 60-year-old dream. If nothing happens by then, all the historic gains achieved this year will come to naught. They had an appointment with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week, but she was not available and only one of her staff members faced the veterans led by Eric Lachica, executive director of the Virginia-based American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. "She wanted 290 sure votes for S-1315," Rumingan told ABS-CBN’s Balitang America.
Long Beach Mass Action, July 10 Displays Community Unity (tags)
More than 600 people turned out in a two-hour march-rally last July 10 proving that the community is “the heart of Long Beach” The march led by the Long Beach Coalition for Better Jobs and Healthy Communities started with a picket at the Hilton Hotel at around 5:00 PM . Then the coalition marched to the Long Beach light house near the Aquarium of the Pacific where they held an hour long rally. Led by Hilton Hotel workers who are organizing themselves, Filipinos, Latinos, African- American hotel workers demanded hotel administration neutrality over their efforts to organize themselves.
EPCC Supports UHW-West mass action in LA (tags)
The Echo PArk Community Coalition (EPCC) supports the mass action on July 14 is slated to be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriot Hotel by the United Health Care Workers (UHW) -West against the plan of the SEIU /International to divide the UHW-West. The mass action by the UHW-West was called for the hearing that could result in tearing apart the UHW based on a plan by the SEIU International to divide the UHW. The 150,000 UHW which has a large Filipino membership among its unionized workers is a member of the SEIU International which has 2 million members.
BUSH SENDS NUCLEAR AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
With the subservience of the Arroyo regime, Bush continues the political-military intervention in the "killing field" of the Philippines, wasting millions of tax-dollars in suppressing the Moro insurgents and Filipino national-democrats, abetting the horrendous extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances and widespread poverty and oppression, all in the name of the war against "terrorism," a code-word for popular resistance against global capital's greed and inhumane devastation of the planet.
Highlights of the US State Visit of President Arroyo of the Philippines (tags)
If we have to assess the highlights of the 10-day state visit of President Macapagal-Arroyo to the United States, we can sum it up in several points. Besides securing $ 700 million loans, talking with US investors and visiting her fellow Filipino psychopaths, one important agenda of PGMA in her visit are the “ getting to know you” meetings with the US Democratic Party presumptive presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican Senator John McCain. Highlights of the US State Visit of President Arroyo of the Philippines
Revolutionary Justice for the Filipino Working Class Victims of Big Capitalists! (tags)
The Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU) in Southern Mindanao, an underground group of revolutionary unions and an allied organization of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) expresses its strongest indignation of the systematic attack perpetrated by foreign and local comprador-capitalists against the Filipino working class.
PGMA US VISIT, PATHETIC DISPLAY OF MENDICACY OF A US PUPPET (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) today expresses outrage over the passing of the more than $ 628 B budget to fund the Iraq –Afghanistan war yesterday, June 26 in the US Congress while that the Filipino Veterans Equity bill that was languishing in the US congress for more than 18 years was not even discussed. Aside approving the war budget, the high profile legislative visit or the lobby by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took precedence in the House of Representatives. It is high point in mendicancy for the president of the Philippines to let herself be stereotyped as “cooks” and “Philippine-Americans” by no less President Bush during their White House meeting.
PGMA US VISIT, CREDIT GRABBING AND A HIGH POINT OF MENDICACY OF A US PUPPET (tags)
Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not a Penny for the war in Iraq! Money for People’s Needs, Not for the War! The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) today expresses outrage over the passing of the more than $ 628 B budget to fund the Iraq –Afghanistan war yesterday, June 26 in the US Congress while that the Filipino Veterans Equity bill that was languishing in the US congress for more than 18 years was not even discussed.
On the Recent 10-Day Visit of Phil. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the US (tags)
The 10-day visit of U.S.-backed Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) and ten of her Cabinet members to three states in the U.S. is nothing more than a spectacle starring a puppet president and her masters in the White House, the Capitol, and in the offices of Wall Street. The Filipino people have nothing to gain from this
CDIR Condemns Malaysia's expulsion plan Against Immigrants (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR)-USA strongly condemns Malaysia’s plan to chase out tens of thousands of Filipino and Indonesian illegal immigrants. The CDIR-USA said that immigrants include a large number of asylum seekers and refugees who had fled from the conflict-ridden Mindanao region in the southern Philippines to Malaysia's eastern Sabah state on Borneo island. In addition,the CDIR noted that many are stateless people and migrants who had lived in Sabah for more than a decade, including children who now risk being expelled. The CDIR said that the simplistic and arbitrary action of mass crackdown by the federal government in addressing such a serious and complex issue will result into serious human rights and humanitarian crisis,"
TILL NO EQUITY BILL, PGMA US VISIT-A SPOILER? (tags)
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.
Los Angeles Anti-Arroyo RAT Smells a Foul Regime (tags)
Philippine Consulate, Los Angeles – The anti-Arroyo RATs – "Rapid Action Team" traced the foul scent in the thick smoggy air of Los Angeles to the rotten Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) regime. Filipino Americans and their allies gathered around a trashcan with GMA situated in the middle indicating that it is "Time to Take Out the Trash."
JFAV and the Filipino Community Salutes Companero Don White (tags)
We, in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) were profoundly shocked and saddened on the news of the sudden death of Don White, a dear comrade and friend of the Filipino World War II veterans and the Filipino immigrant community. Don White, the Director of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) in Los Angeles, 70, died of a massive heart attack in his apartment last Friday, June 20, 2008 in Los Angeles.
Filipinos and allies in New York City to "DETAIN AND DEPORT GLORIA!" (tags)
Progressive Filipinos and allies in New York City will "detain and deport Phil. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA)" in front of the Philippine Consulate TOMORROW, JUNE 26. The cultural street action, along with speeches and statements from various Filipino and allied organizations will illustrate the criminalization of Filipino im/migrants and serves as an act of protest to GMA's 10-day visit to the U.S. She will be in New York City on June 26-28 to meet with US politicians to ensure continued U.S. military support, and to court investors in a bid to further sell off the natural resources of the Philippines. So the existing colonial puppet-master relationship continues.
There is an inherent conflict in writing a weekly opinion column, as I have done for the last 20 years, and in being an elected public official in San Francisco, as I have been for the last 17 years. It is an occupational hazard that from time to time, I have expressed opinions which offended certain individuals who happen to be San Francisco voters. Most recently I wrote two columns about the need for the Filipino community to express our unequivocal support for the Filipino veterans equity bill, S.1315, which passed the U.S. Senate 96-1 on April 24, 2008, and which is currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Betrayal of the Filipino Veterans (tags)
Just as the U.S. House of Representatives was about to vote on S.1315 -- known as the "Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007" -- a group of Filipino-Americans from San Francisco drove a polarizing wedge that could potentially impede the passage of the bill. Indeed, what was almost a certainty two weeks ago is now in jeopardy.
On the 110th Independence Day of the Philippines, June 12, 2008 (tags)
As Filipinos and Filipino Americans, the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) with pride and passion, we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 and the victory of the Philippine revolution of 1896 against 333 years of Spanish colonialism and oppression. On this momentous occasion let us pay tribute to all our heroes who fought for our freedom. On this auspicious day, we remember that the Philippine flag was first displayed, the national hymn was played and the independence from Spain was proclaimed in the balcony of the home of general Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. At that time almost all of Luzon was liberated and under the control, of the revolutionary forces except for Manila and some Spanish outpost in the Visayas and in Mindanao was still holding out. The formation of the first bourgeois democratic republic in Asia on January 23, 1899 followed. But just to be destroyed by a new colonial power- the Imperialist United States of America. By waging an imperialist war of aggression against the young republic and its people from 1899 to 1913 in a “war of pacification” against the Filipinos, the United States occupied the Philippines for 48 years. The Filipinos lost almost 2 million people during the Filipino=-American War.
Pass the Equity Bill NOW -JFAV (tags)
For us in the Filipino American community , the passage of the H.R. 760 , the Filipino Veterans Equity is of the utmost importance. This issue continues to be the most urgent and longest standing injustice our community has faced for decades. Thank you for your continued leadership and support in fighting for the enactment of the Filipino WWII Veterans Act of 2007, H.R. 760. As a faithful constituent, we recognize that you are an ally in this campaign and ask that the Filipino WWII Veterans Equity bill be made a priority in your already historic role as Speaker of the House.( As a congressperson from ____)
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?
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.. ‘
Memorial Meetings for Ka Bel to be Held US-Wide (tags)
Whenever death may surprise us, it will be welcomed provided that our battle cry reaches some receptive ear, that another hand stretches out to take up the weapon, and that other men come forward to intone our funeral dirge with the staccato of machine gun and new cries of battle and victory." ~ Ernesto "Che" Guevarra Los Angeles - Nationwide memorial meetings to mourn and honor Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran will be held in different cities in the United States from May 21 to June 9, 2008. Ka Bel was an ANAKPAWIS Representative, Chair Emeritus of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement), and former Chair of the International League for People’s Struggle (ILPS). Mario Santos, Alliance Philippines National Coordinator, made this announcement in San Francisco after the meeting with representative from International ANSWER on May 22. According to Santos, the memorials for Ka Bel will be held on May 27 in Queens, New York, May 28 in Los Angeles at Remy's on Temple Art Gallery in Historic Filipinotown and San Francisco, and on June 9 in Seattle. Progressive Filipino forces in Chicago will hold a memorial on May 24.
Rep. Crispin Beltran, The Great Hero of the Working Class (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines), with profound sadness, announced the passing of Ka (short for "kasama" or comrade) Crispin Beltran, 75, last May 20, 2008, in the Philippines. Ka Bel, as we fondly call him, was a representative of ANAKPAWIS (Toiling Masses) Party List, chair emeritus of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement), labor center in the Philippines, and was the first chairperson of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) from 2001-2004.
Crispin Beltran, presente! (tags)
The National Committee of the Party for Socialism and Liberation extends its most heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran. We reprint here a statement from the Gabriela Network USA on the passing of this courageous leader of the Filipino labor movement and liberation struggle.
BAYAN Philippines & BAYAN USA on Labor Leader Ka Bel (tags)
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan pays its highest tribute to our former chairman, Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran after his untimely passing on May 20, 2008. We give our most heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades, friends and the millions of supporters who are grieving the loss of an outstanding fighter for national and social liberation and a beloved leader of the Filipino working class and people.
JFAV : A Tribute to Ka. Crispin Beltran, The Hero of the Filipino Working Class (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American veterans (JFAV), the alliance of veterans groups, student / youth, community organizations and veteran rights advocates in the United States and as a founding member of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) pays tribute and homage to Crispin Beltran, 75 , who passed away last May 20, 2008 in the Philippines Ka. Bel, as we fondly call him, was a representative of BAYAN MUNA and later the ANAK-PAWIS Party list group, BAYAN Chair, Past Chair and Chair emeritus of Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) labor center and was the first chairperson of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) from 2001-2004. As a chair person of the ILPS Ka Bel supported the Filipino World War II and gave due course to the resolution of the ILPS in 2001 and again in 2004 ILPS Assemblies recognizing the contribution of the veterans to the struggle against fascism in World War II and the justices of their current struggle for recognition, justice and equity.
The fight for Filipino veterans' equity: A struggle against racism (tags)
After 63 years, the U.S. Senate finally passed the Veterans Expanded Benefits Bill on April 24 with a vote of 96 to 1. But can this act of Congress giveA back justice and equity for Filipino veterans who were denied their rights for 63 long years? The Philippines was a colony of the United States when World War II broke out in 1941. In a hurry to defend its colonial possessions in the Pacific, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt formed the United States Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and integrated the 70,000-strong Commonwealth Army of the Philippines into the 30,000-troop U.S. army in the Philippines on July 26, 1941.
On the 66th Year of the Fall of Corregidor, May 6, 1942 (tags)
On May 6, 1942, after enduring one month of siege, air and artillery bombardment by the Japanese, the island fortress of Corregidor surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army.. With the surrender of Corregidor, General Jonathan Wainright, USAFEE Chief was forced to formally surrendered the whole Philippines. With the fall of the Philippines, organized armed resistance by the USAFFE forces in the Philippines ceased to exist. The formal occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese Imperial forces for the next three years begun. But, the Filipino guerilla resistance became very much alive. Independent guerilla forces started in earnest. The guerilla forces in Northern Luzon led by General Guillermo Nakar in Isabela and the HUKBALAHAP in Central Luzon started even before the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. For the next three years, Filipino guerillas led by able Filipino leaders or by American officers never let the Japanese have peace of mind in occupying the Philippines. They held the line and even liberated areas even before American forces landed in the Philippines.
MARCH AND RALLY FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS! (tags)
Massive mass actions for May 1 that were held in major U.S. cities was a resounding success. In scores of major cities like Los Angeles (30,000), Seattle, WA (6,000)San Francisco,( 10,000) New York, (10,000) . and Chicago (50,000), Filipino Americans immigrants and advocates joined up with their Latino immigrant allies to demand full rights and legalization for immigrants, a stop to ICE raids and deportations and workers rights during May 1 International Workers Day. Arturo P. Garcia, CDIR and AJLPP deputy national coordinator said: “while the bourgeois media tends to praise the police for “good behavior” and chide the rallyist for supposed the low-turn-out, immigrant groups were satisfied with the unity shown at the rally. For the third year in a row, after the repeal of the infamous HR 4437, the need for a comprehensive immigration reform and a pathways to citizenship was again thrust into the limelight and the national stage. It clearly shows the immigrant rights movement is alive and kicking, more united and consolidated.” Garcia added.
30,000 IMMIGRANTS/ WORKERS MARCH-RALLY ON MAY 1st IN LA (tags)
For the third year in a row. more or less 30,000 marchers from three major groups- the MIWON, March 25 Coalition and the April 7th Coalition for Full Immigrants Rights in Los Angeles and demand full rights and legalization for immigrants. A stop on ICE raids and deportations and to commemorate International Workers Day. The media called it “a combination of a holiday parade and party celebrations” Different media outlets and the LAPD have different estimates like a conservative estimate from as low as 7,000 from KCRW and as high as 30,000 from NPR radio. In Los Angeles, California, shouting: MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT, LEGALISAYON, NGAYON and ANG TAO, ANG BAYAN NGAYON AY LUMALABAN. the newly formed Filipino American For Immigration Reform (FAIR) with the Pilipino Workers Center marched from Historic Filipinotown to Macarthur Park and joined 15,00 strong MIWON contingent that marched from Macarthur Park to downtown Broadway.
Workers/Immigrants US-Wide Rallies on May 1 (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrants Rights (CDIR) –USA and the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) announced today that mass actions for May 1 that were held in major U.S. cities was a resounding success. In scores of major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York.Phoenix and Chicago, Filipino Americans immigrants and advocates joined up with their Latino immigrant allies to demand full rights and legalization for immigrants, a stop to ICE raids and deportations and workers rights during May 1 International Workers Day. Arturo P. Garcia, CDIR and AJLPP deputy national coordinator said: “while the bourgeois media tends to praise the police for “good behavior” and chide the rallyist for supposed the low-turn-out, immigrant groups were satisfied with the unity shown at the marches and rallies all over the United States. For the third year in a row, after the repeal of the infamous HR 4437, the need for a comprehensive immigration reform and a pathways to citizenship was again thrust into the limelight and the national stage. It clearly shows the immigrant rights movement is alive and kicking, more united and consolidated.” Garcia added.
Workers/Immigrants March Rally in LA on May 1 (tags)
—For the third year in a row. more or less than 30,000 marchers from three major groups- the MIWON, March 25 Coalition and the April 7th Coalition for Full Immigrants Rights in Los Angeles and demand full rights and legalization for immigrants and to commemorate International Workers Day. The media called it “a combination of a holiday parade and party celebrations” Different media outlets have different estimates like a conservative estimate from as low as 7,000 from KCRW and as high as 30,000 from NPR radio. In Los Angeles, California the newly formed Filipino American For Immigration Reform (FAIR) with the Pilipino Workers Center marched from Historic Filipinotown to Macarthur Park and joined 15,000 strong MIWON contingent that marched from Macarthur Park to downtown Broadway.
More US soldiers to arrive in Sulu province (tags)
More US troops are expected to arrive soon in the Philippines to support hundreds already deployed in the southern part of the country aiding Filipino soldiers in battling terrorism. At least 30 soldiers, part of the Guam Army National Guards’ First Battalion under the 294th Infantry Regiment, are heading to support “Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines,” the Guam-based Mariana’s Variety newspaper reported Wednesday.
Clinton honors Fil-Am vets in 66th Anniversary of ‘Fall of Bataan’ (tags)
HILLARY CLINTON released the following statement April 10 in honor of the men and women who bravely fought for the freedoms of the United States and the Philippines 66 years ago, when Japanese troops invaded the Philippines. This invasion led to the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. "It is my honor to have the opportunity to salute these brave Filipino men and women who gallantly gave their lives for the freedom that citizens of both the Philippines and the United States now enjoy. And to those who have survived, I pledge that America will not forget the hardships that you and your family endured from that war."
May 1 US-WIDE MASS Actions (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrants Rights (CDIR) –USA and the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) announced today that mass actions for May 1 will be held in major U.S. cities to commemorate International Workers Day and demand full rights and legalization for immigrants. In major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York and Chicago, Filipino Americans are joining up with their Latino immigrant allies to protest ICE raids and anti-immigrant bashing. They will also demand legalization and full rights for all immigrants. Joint MIWON/March 25th and April 7 Coalition March/Rally In Los Angeles, California the newly formed Filipino American For Immigration Reform (FAIR) with the Pilipino Workers Center will march form PWC in 153 Glendale, Historic Filipnotown to Macarthur Park and join the MIWON Contingent that will march form Macarthur Park to downtown Broadway.
JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW! (tags)
After 63 years, finally US Senate on April 24, 2008 passed the Veterans Expanded Benefits Bill with a vote of 96-1. This bill is generally an omnibus bill enhancing benefits to most US veterans. The provision of S.57 was partly incorporated in S. 1315 which will afford the Filipino veterans in the US to receive the same benefits as those of their US veteran counterpart. Those who are residing in the Philippines shall receive a monthly special pension of $300/month if the bill is finally signed into law. The Senate also voted 56-41 to defeat the effort of Sen. Richard Burr(R, NC) to redirect pension to wards U.S veterans. Almost all those who opposed the bill including Senator Burr and Craig voted for the bill. Democratic Senator Barack Obama who promised to vote for the bill and Republican candidate John McCain were not able to vote and were absent. Senator Hillary Clinton voted for the bill. Work Ahead “Our work has just begun our next target will be the House of Representatives to pass the bill and give justice, equity and correct the errors of racism for the Filipino World War II veterans” Arturo Garcia. JFAV and People’s CORE Coordinator said. For more than half a century, the Filipino World War II veterans have been seeking for just and equal recognition as US veterans. The house bill HR 760 should continue to gain support from legislators in the House with the passage of S. 1315 in Senate.
US Senate Passes Equity Bill, 96-1 (tags)
The US Senate began deliberation on S.1315 or the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill on April 22, 2008 and today, with a vote of 96-1, the bill was finally passed. This bill is generally an omnibus bill enhancing benefits to most US veterans. The provision of S.57 was partly incorporated in S. 1315 which will afford the Filipino veterans in the US to receive the same benefits as those of their US veteran counterpart. Those who are residing in the Philippines shall receive a monthly special pension of $300/month if the bill is finally signed into law. " We would like to thank the leadership of the Senators Inouye and Senator Akaka and all veterans advocates especially the youth for making it a possibility for this bill to pass. This is our long awaited desire to be recognized for all our sacrifices during World War II," said veteran leader Peping Baclig, National JFAV Coordinator..
AJLPP Sautes the 35th Year of the NDFP (tags)
On behalf of the Filipino American community in the United States and all its allies, we in the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP)consider it fitting and proper to extend warmest greetings to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in celebration of the 35th anniversary of its founding on 24 April 1973 when its 10-Point Program was unfurled and promulgated. We share in the Filipino people's jubilation that the NDFP has won great victories in the application and development of the policy and tactics of the united front in advancing the people's democratic revolution against foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism in the Philippines.
PASS THE EQUITY BILL NOW! (tags)
Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement on the United States Senate unanimous vote to proceed with a floor debate on S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act. Among other actions the bill would restore U.S. Veterans status and eligibility for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits to Filipino Veterans serving in WW II. A final vote is expected today:
Ester Soriano. Community Activist Laid to Rest (tags)
Filipina-American activist Ester Soriano was laid to rest last Saturday. April 19, 2008 at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California Ester, who passed away last April 3, 2008, three day short of her 62nd birthday. was one of the founders of the National Committee for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines (NCRCLP) in San Francisco in 1972. On the very weekend that martial law was declared by dictator Marcos in Philippines. A SERVICE OF CELEBRATION was held at the First AME Church of Los Angeles at 2270 South Harvard Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90018 at 10:00 AM last Saturday, April 19, 2008. Thousands of people from all walks of life, professions and races attended the service.
JFAV Letter to The President of the Philippines (tags)
We, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), are addressing the Philippine government’s actions affecting our campaign for the Filipino-American Veterans who have fought in World War II and were denied their promised benefits fighting under the American regime. We commend the Philippine government’s efforts in lobbying for the Filipino Veterans to gain their benefits that they were denied at the end of World War II, especially from Ambassador Willy Gaa and Consul General Mary B. Aragon Seeing this support from our mother country, in addition to the growing support from our fellow Americans of different ethnic heritages, gives us motivation to push forward with this campaign of obtaining the benefits promised to the Filipino WWII Veterans as well as for reunification for their families. However, we are gravely concerned with the government's recent activities of selling federal institutions, especially the National Veterans' Memorial Hospital, to private developers in order to carry out Executive Orders 620 and 620-A, which call for the development of the East and North Triangles and the Veterans' Memorial area of Quezon City. We find it very ironic how our government, who has invested such efforts into our cause, can sell the National Veterans Memorial Hospital – an act that conflicts a stance set from the previous action. This hospital is a gift from the American government, to tend especially to the health needs of the Filipino Veterans.
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.
FILIPINO VETERANS TO PROTEST APRIL 10 AT THE WESTWOOD FEDERAL BUILDING IN LA (tags)
Money for Filipino Veterans, Not for the War! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) with the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP ) and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will mark the 66th Fall of Bataan Day with a protest rally for equity and justice on April 10, 2008 at 5: 00 PM at the West wood Federal Building at the corner of Veteran and Wilshire Streets.
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.
California People’s Organizations Supports SEIU-UHW West Platform For Change (tags)
A number of community organizations and key Asian Pacific Islander leaders in California unanimously thrown their unequivocal support for SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West (UHW-West) and its Platform for Change The UHW-West Executive Board representing 150,000 health care workers in California and led by its president Sal Roselli, recently ratified its Platform for Change to express its avowed principles for building a successful international union.
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.
Remember ther Recission Act, Fight Racism and Racial Discrimination! (tags)
On February 18th, we commemorate the 62nd year of the infamous Rescission Act. On February 18, 1946, the 79th US Congress removed the benefits and all entitlements for 250,000 Filipino World War II veterans by stating “their military service were not deemed active”. By a stroke of a pen,the US government removed the recognition of the wartime services and the sacrifices of the Filipino nation during World War II. For 62 years, Filipino veterans suffered discrimination and racism. Of all 66 nationalities that served the American flag, only the Filipinos were excluded from their benefits and recognition. To add insult to injury, the promise that they will given citizenship was granted later in 1990, when the immigration reform bill was passed.
JFAV ALL SET TO MARCH FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE and FAMILY REUNIFICATION, FEB 19. (tags)
What do We want, Equity ! No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) an alliance of different Filipino World War II veterans groups, youth and students and community groups are all set to mark the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, and March on Feb 19. 2008 in Los Angeles.. The JFAV will mark February 18 with two mass actions. The first event called JFAV EDUCATION AND ACTION FORUM will be held on February 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at the Lake St. Park Community Center. The invited speakers for the events are Senator Gil Cedillo of 22nd District, California and Muna Cobtee of ANSWER-LA. The forum seeks to study more about the Filipino Veteran's Struggle and strategize ways to gain justice and equity in 2008
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 .
FILIPINO VETERANS ALL SET TO MARK 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT IN LA (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) veterans council composed of different Filipino World War II veterans groups held a meeting to prepare for the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, 2008. Prominent veteran leaders attended the council meeting last February 9. Among those who attended were Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Jack Vergara of Society of Guerillas and Scout Inc.(SGSI); Ramon Lladoc of Veterans Center of the Philippines; Eugene Mondok of United Filipino American veterans(UFAV); Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia of JFAV and Arturo Garcia of People’s CORE.
FILIPINO VETERANS ALL SET TO MARK 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT IN LA (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) veterans council composed of different Filipino World War II veterans groups held a meeting to prepare for the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, 2008. Prominent veteran leaders attended the council meeting last February 9. Among those who attended were Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Jack Vergara of Society of Guerillas and Scout Inc.(SGSI); Ramon Lladoc of Veterans Center of the Philippines; Eugene Mondok of United Filipino American veterans(UFAV); Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia of JFAV and Arturo Garcia of People’s CORE.
Fil-Vets ask candidates for bill support (tags)
Statements of support from the presidential candidates are being requested from Filipino American veterans and the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. (ACFV) before Feb. 18 to help pass their benefits bills and garner more community allies for the Bataan Day commemoration rallies being planned across the U.S. “We are asking the presidential candidates to release their statements of support for our cause clearly before February 18, the day of the Rescission Act of 1946,” said Eric Lachica, Executive Director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. in an exclusive interview with BALITA. “We have been, and will continue to the rounds here in Washington D.C. to get the candidates’ commitment.”
Local Filipinos protest Philippine Labor Secretary visit and B.C. government’s recruitment (tags)
Around 20 local progressive Filipinos and their supporters rallied last night outside an exclusive dinner for Philippine Secretary of Labour and Employment, Arturo Brion hosted by the Philippines-Canada Trade Council. Brion was in Vancouver to sign a new agreement with the B.C. government which seeks to attract 30,000 workers per year with specific skills from outside B.C.
FILIPINO COMMUNITY MARKS 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT (tags)
REMEMBER THE RESCISSION ACT! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) an alliance of veterans, community, youth, students and other groups will hold a two-day event recognizing the contributions of Filipino veterans of WWII, as well as the injustices they continue to endure. On February 18, 1946, 672 years ago, the 79th US Congress passed the infamous Rescission Act that removed the recognition to 250,000 Filipino American veterans who served during the Second World War. The first event called JFAV EDUCATION AND ACTION FORUM will be held on February 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at the Lake St. Park Community Center . The forum seeks to study more about the Filipino Veteran's Struggle and strategize ways to gain justice and equity in 2008 The second mass action will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 8 AM to 12 PM. Called the MARCH FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE, the JFAV is calling on everyone join in calling for full recognition, benefits, and family reunification for Filipino Veterans.
RELEASE KMP LEADER RANDALL ECHANIS- Pesante-USA (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA. a Filipino peasant., human rights and environmental advocacy network in the United States and a member organization of the AJLPP, strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) deputy secretary general Randall Echanis, 60 years old in the island of Negros last Monday, January 28,2008 in the Philippines. Pesante Coordinator Arturo Garcia said : “the arrest of Echanis, is a strong warning to legal activist to stop organizing the Filipino peasantry. It is also a strong arm tactic of the AFP and the PNP to implicate legal mass leaders to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA as a part of their legal offensive.” “With the extension of Esperon as AFP Chief of Staff, the US-Arroyo regime will try to make out KMP and other legal mass organizations as “communist organizations” in order to present them as war trophies.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS HOST ACTION FORUM LAST JANUARY 24-25 in LA and CA (tags)
Despite the stormy weather, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), in conjunction with the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Peoples CORE and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), held a community action forum last Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, The Forum was held at SIPA’s community room. It was attended by a fairly good size crowd of veterans, students and community advocates.Veterans groups like Society of Guerillas and Sc outs (SGSI), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines(VFP) , lobbyists, organizers, and other supporters was present They were updated by ACFV Executive Director Eric Lachica, JFAV Coordinator Al P. Garcia and Franco Arcebal on the current progress of campaign efforts and relevant legislative bills in the continued pursuit of recognition of the Veterans sacrifices in World War II.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS HOST ACTION FORUM ON JANUARY 24 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), in conjunction with the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Peoples CORE and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), will be hosting a community action forum on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, The Forum will be held at SIPA’s community room. JFAV is also hosting another forum in Carson on January 25 at 3:00 PM at the C and C Adult Day Care Center at 451 E. Carson Plaza Drive
Justice for Young Filipina Restaurant Worker Adriane Padilla! (tags)
Recent advances in the Justice for Adriane Campaign, the unpaid wages campaign for young Filipina restaurant worker Adriane Padilla, launched last December 14, 2007, are pointing to a victory for Adriane and all Filipino youth restaurant workers. This January, Padilla and her lawyers agreed to meet with her former employers to explore a possible case settlement. Ugnayan welcomes this development to resolve the case as this could lead to a greater unity in the Filipino community towards promoting the labor rights, respect and justice for all Filipino youth restaurant workers.
JFAV Asks De Venecia to Stop Raising False Hopes on Equity Bill (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) scored Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. announcement last January 6, 2008 ” that the United States House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has assured that a bill that would provide $90 million a year to Filipino World War II veterans is being prioritized in Capitol Hill." The Speaker quoted Pelosi as telling him during a telephone conversation in California, that they “will try to organize a financial package” for Filipino war veterans. JFAV claimed that Speaker Pelosi did nothing to get the equity bill pass this year. "
Pilipino WWII veterans in the Philippines to get $90M a year- Speaker De Venecia (tags)
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. yesterday announced that the United States House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has assured that a bill that would provide $90 million a year to Filipino World War II veterans is being prioritized in Capitol Hill. De Venecia said the bill, Filipino Veterans Equity Bill, may be scheduled for a floor vote following its approval last July in a markup hearing by the US House of Representatives veterans affairs committee headed by by Bob Filner. The bill was reported out by the Congressional Budget Office for Budget Estimates last September. The Speaker quoted Pelosi as telling him during a telephone conversation in California, that they “will try to organize a financial package” for Filipino war veterans.
This review highlights the global positioning of discourses/writing on the Filipino diaspora, given the neocolonial and subjugated situation of Filipino migrants, exiles, refugees, etc. in the planet. Unless this subordination to U.S. imperial hegemony is acknowledged and the revolutionary resistance to it recognized, any reflection on the condition of the Filipino/the Philippines is only a Hollywood fantasy, if not a bad case of incurable self-delusion.
Top 10 stories for Filipino Americans in 2007 (tags)
Filipino Americans can look back on 2007 with both elation and embarrassment.FilAms figured prominently in mainstream media news, headlining topics such as the 9/11 health crisis, boxing, TV entertainment as well as espionage in high places.
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act (tags)
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 has gone through its shares of ups and downs this year. If passed, an estimated 7,000 Filipino American veterans living in the US and 12,000 Filipino veterans in the Philippines, who both fought during WWII, would restore US Veterans status and be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits.
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added.
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
The two Filipino World War II Veterans equity bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, H.R. 760 and S. 1315, no longer have the possibly of being passed in 2007. But S. 671, the family reunification bill that has about 20,000 immediate priority visas at stake for the sons, daughters and grandchildren of these veterans still has a shot of being approved this year. On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
The two Filipino World War II Veterans equity bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, H.R. 760 and S. 1315, no longer have the possibly of being passed in 2007. But S. 671, the family reunification bill that has about 20,000 immediate priority visas at stake for the sons, daughters and grandchildren of these veterans still has a shot of being approved this year. On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added
Equity bill moved to ’08, vets dismayed (tags)
So near, yet so far.With two Republican senators continuing to block the bill getting a floor vote, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), chairman of the committee on veterans affairs, has decided to hold action on the bill with the equity pension provision until February or March next year, Filipino World War II veterans leaders have learned.
Statement of Solidarity on the Two-Day Filipino People’s Transport Strike (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Peasant-USA) whole-heartedly and militantly support the 2-day nationwide transport strike led by the Alliance against Oil Price Hike. PISTON and BAYAN Philippines. The people and the public transport sector have no choice but to show their strength and unity in the face of these continuous depredations and acts of economic sabotage. This is while the oil price worldwide to $ 85 per dollar. While oil prices is going down, oll prices in the Philippines is skyrocketing to the limits
PHILIPPINES: Gloria Arroyo is a Human Rights Violator! (tags)
Hers is a Morally Bankrupt Government with Distorted Human Rights Values! Malacañang’s (Presidential Palace) cash gifts, for whatever fabricated excuses and delayed explanations, has exposed the governance of Ms. Gloria Arroyo as morally bankrupt.
Pesante-USA Marks International Human Rights Day (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA a human rights, Filipino peasant advocacy and environmental network in the United States, is one with all well meaning people in marking International Human Rights Day, December 10,2007. The Filipino peasant bear the brunt of repression under the corrupt and fascist US- Arroyo regime. Of the recorded 887 victims from 2001 until this year, 516 victims came from the downtrodden Filipino peasantry. The US-Arroyo regime had been so callous and brazen in its fascist acts that it can be compared to the US-Marcos Dictatorship for its cruelty.
On The PGMA Visit To Spain (tags)
“Mas vale la cola de un leon en la cabeza de una rata” The Philippine Peasant Network (Pesante –USA) vehemently condemn the patronage displayed by King Juan Carlos I of Spain as a head of state to President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo of the Philippines on her state visit to the former colonizer country. Pesante also revolt at the ostentatious and arrogant display of Gloria’s illusion to be royalty, act like a queen and perpetuate herself in power, it is utterly disgusting and despicable and must be condemned.
On Ken Burns “The War “ Documentary (tags)
On December 7,2007 will be the 61st anniversary of the Second World War for the United States. It is just fitting and proper that a TV documentary series by Ken Burns, The War- was made for this event. December 7 was called “ the day that will live in infamy “ by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Japanese surprise attack crippled the US Asiatic fleet and almost decimated the American fleet in the Pacific. Until now, for 61 years, the Equity bill is still languishing in the US Congress. Because of Republican Party bitter opposition, the Equity bills both in the Congress and the Senate is in limbo and the veterans are denied of what should be rightfully theirs
Historic Debate on Filvets Bill Up Before Full Senate (tags)
When US Senate session resumes after Dec. 3, it will deliberate for the first time, the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill sponsored by Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (Dem.). He is Chairman of the Senate Veterans Committee. Originally Senate Bill 57, the “Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007” will provide for the first time starting May 1, 2008 a flat rate of $3,600 annually disability pension for single Filipino veterans living in the Philippines; $4,500 annually for married veterans; and $2,400 annually for surviving spouses.To be eligible, a veteran “must have income below a certain threshold, have served during a period of war, and have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability.”
AJLPP Demand Stop the Deportation of the Servano Couple (tags)
The Alliance For Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) national coordinator Mario Santos express its utmost militant demand that the Department of Homeland Security heed the call of the American and Filipino peoples not to deport the Servano Couple now undergoing deportation proceedings. The AJLPP National Coordinator Mario Santos expressed solidarity with the calls of the Coalition in Defense of immigrant Right (CDIR) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV),both Los Angeles based organizations and many other groups,individuals and important personalities to stop the deportation of the Servano couple and let the Servanos to stay as American citizens.
JFAV SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY NOT TO BE DEPORTED (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) declares its unequivocal support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported. The JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia noted that Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion,was petitioned by a Filipino veteran – Bataan defender and death march survivor,who passed away in 2006. JFAV also pointed out that the couple have stayed in the U.S, for the last 25 years and have four grown children. The JFAV, an alliance of World War II veterans, advocates, students and youth in California said that the latest decision not to detain them or deport them was a step in the right direction.
JFAV SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY NOT TO BE DEPORTED (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) declares its unequivocal support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported. The JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia noted that Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion,was petitioned by a Filipino veteran – Bataan defender and death march survivor,who passed away in 2006.
CDIR SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY APPEAL NOT TO BE DEPORTED (tags)
The Coalition in Defense Of Immigrant Rights (CDIR) express its support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported. The CDIR noted that the couple have stayed in the U.S, for the last 25 years and have four grown children. The coalition noted that the latest decision not to detain them or deport them on Monday was a step in the right direction. Instead they were told to report on the immigration facility to explain.
A Lesson in Community Empowerment: (tags)
Last November 11,2007, more than eight hundred youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipinotown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti.
L.A. Fil-Am vets rally draws over 500 (tags)
Nearly 600 students and supporters gathered to march for Filipino Veterans’ rights on Nov. 11 in Historical Filipinotown. The event, organized by the coalition group Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), was the seventh annual march aiming to raise community awareness about H.R. 1315, a bill that would grant Filipino veterans pension for their involvement in World War II. Supporters of the bill, which has yet to be approved by both the Lower House and the Senate before being signed into law by the President, are hoping that the rally will cause enough attention to the issue before Congress adjourns its session for the year on Nov. 16, or at the very least, to get an extension until December. Another bill being pushed for approval along with these benefits is the family reunification bill, which veterans would use to expedite the immigration process for family members still remaining in the Philippines.
Fil-Am Vets aim for equity at march (tags)
On an overcast Sunday morning with the scent of pan de sal wafting through the air, marchers took to the streets and neighborhoods. Armed with flags and banners, the procession filled the air with chants like, “Don’t say no-no to my lolo!” and “We want justice, we want it now!”
Why Did The Equity Bill Did Not Pass (tags)
Last November 11,2007, the youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipinotown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti. In San Francisco, American Coalition For Filipino Veteran (ACFV) staked out at the residence of Speaker Nancy Pelosi to no avail. Pelosi fresh from her defeat for the Armenian genocide resolution in the lower house did not even bothered to sponsor the equity bill.
7th Annual Veterans Day Parade Held in Historic Filipinotown (tags)
What Do We Want, Equity, When do we want it? NOW!! Hundreds of Filipino American youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipintown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti
Philippine Protest Marks The First Senate Hearing On The JPEPA (tags)
14 September 2007, Manila, Philippines. – A crowd of more than 300 workers, farmers, fishers, and environmentalists from the Magkaisa Junk JPEPA Coalition (MJJC) today called on the Senators of the 14th Congress to look beyond the rosy projections and government hype surrounding the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), and to carefully assess its short-term and long-term implications. The group’s call came on the day of the first scheduled Senate hearing for this historic, precedent-setting treaty.
JFAV STAGED DEATH MARCH REENACTMENT AT 16th FPAC, SEPT.9 (tags)
What was thought to be the “last Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture” ” – the 16th Annual FPAC to be exact turned out to be a resounding success! The festival presented b FILAMARTS called “HANDOG” ( Offering). The festival organizers explained that “ what makes the festival distinct was it was built fro, the ground up. “ They also acknowledged the fact that it defended on the support of the community, business groups and artist and they make the weekend event get through. This FPAC saw the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) staged a solemn re-enactment of the infamous Death March from Bataan to Tarlac in April 1942. The nine-day march cost he lives of more than 30,000 Filipino and Americans out of the more than 90,000 who surrendered in Bataan were brutalized by the Japanese along the 60 kilometer route during the Second World War in the Philippines.
JFAV STAGED DEATH MARCH REENACTMENT AT 16th FPAC, SEPT.9 (tags)
What was thought to be the “last Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture” ” – the 16th Annual FPAC to be exact turned out to be a resounding success! The festival presented b FILAMARTS called “HANDOG” ( Offering). The festival organizers explained that “ what makes the festival distinct was it was built fro, the ground up. “ They also acknowledged the fact that it defended on the support of the community, business groups and artist and they make the weekend event get through. This FPAC saw the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) staged a solemn re-enactment of the infamous Death March from Bataan to Tarlac in April 1942. The nine-day march cost he lives of more than 30,000 Filipino and Americans out of the more than 90,000 who surrendered in Bataan were brutalized by the Japanese along the 60 kilometer route during the Second World War in the Philippines.
FREE PROF. JOSE MARIA SISON, ILPS CHAIR (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) , an alliance of more than 60 veterans, students and community organizations based in the United States vehemently condemned and protests the arbitrary arrest and continued detention of Prof. Jose Maria Sison, the current chair of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) by the Dutch government with the prodding’s and collaboration of the Philippine government.
DUTCH FASCISM & BUSH-ARROYO STATE TERRORISM ATTACK FILIPINO REFUGEES (tags)
Colluding with U.S. & Filipino reactionaries, Dutch fascist authorities arrested Jose Maria Sison, a Filipino political refugee, and raided the National Democratic Front International Information Office in Holland. This is a clear example of State Terrorism working on behalf of predatory imperialist capital. All progressives and democrats everywhere should protest this outrage and support the Filipino people's struggle for justice, equality, and true independence.
Ruby De Vera won Her Discrimination Case in the Los Angeles City Council (tags)
It’s a victory for Ruby ( De Vera), a Filipina, It is a victory for the Filipino Community!” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Peping Baclig and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Jack Vergara today express elation that De Vera was vindicated. JFAV and EPCC also hailed the decision of the Los Angeles City Council to award De Vera a settlement of $ 125,000 for her lawsuit against discrimination and injustice. De Vera run for District 14 council office and came out 3rd place among 12 candidates in 2005. She later was fired as an office manager boss for “embarrassing his boss, Council Member Ed Reyes”, was awarded $ `125,000,00 settlement last week by the City of Los Angeles. The Philippine News correspondent Yong Chavez reported this event in this US wide weekly paper for August 22-28.
FILIPINO VETERANS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS CONDEMN HARRASMENT OF US-BASED GABRIELA NETWORK LEA (tags)
Different Filipino World War II veterans and community organizations in Los Angeles today condemned the harassment perpetrated by the Philippine authorities against GABRIELA Network (GABNet) USA National Chairperson Dr. Annalisa Enrile. Dr. Enrile was barred from boarding her return flight to the United States. This act of harassment occurred on the culminating day of the 10th bi-annual Women’s International Solidarity Affair in the Philippines, a conference that draws hundreds of women from all over the globe and covers issues such as sex trafficking and other international human right violations. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI) and other community organizations like the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA and other groups were outraged by the violations of Dr. Enrile’s rights.
PEOPLE’S CORE/ JFAV PARTICIPATES IN SUCCESSFUL 5K RUN AND FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAL AUG.4- 5 (tags)
The People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, ardently participates in the first Rotary Club of Historic Filipino 5 Kilometer Run Walk last August 5. The activities was capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 400 runners and walkers participated on the event. City Council Member Wendy Gruel awarded the winners of the 5K Run/Walk chaired by Rotarian Donny Joaquin, the 5K Run/Walk Race Director. More than 20 veterans and youth acted as watchers along the route of the 5K run from Burlington/ Court street to Commonwealth/2nd Streets back to the finish line.
JFAV PARTICIPATES IN SUCCESSFUL 5K RUN AND FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAL AUG. 5 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans ( JFAV ) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, ardently participates in the first Rotary Club of Historic Filipino 5 Kilometer Run Walk last August 5. The August 4-5 activities was capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 400 runners and walkers participated on the event. City Council Member Wendy Gruel awarded the winners of the 5K Run/Walk chaired by Rotarian Dony Joaquin. More than 20 veterans and youth acted as watchers along the route of the 5K run from Burlington/ Court street to Commonwealth/2nd Streets back to the fiish line.
JFAV JOINS 5th HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAl, AUG. 4-5, 2007 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans ( JFAV ) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, will join the 5th Historic Filipino Town Festival on August 4 and 5. Energized by recent victories JFAV veterans leaders led by Commanders Franco Arcebal,Peping Baclig, Jack Vergara and Nick Gadia will support the 5th year of commemorative activities on the designation by the city as Historic Filipinotown. The August 4-5 activities will be capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 300 runners and walkers will participate on the event.
JFAV Pursue Lobbying for Equity Bills,Filipino Vets Win Commitments on Capitol Hill (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV )Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, energized by recent victories and their lobbyist Washington based the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans recently visited Capitol Hill (July 26-27) and thanked their Senators, House members and legislative staff for the progress on their equity pension and family bills. On Thursday evening, the ACFV leaders with JFAV veterans leaders led by Commanders Franco Arcebal,Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia commemorated the the 66th anniversary of the 1941 Military Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt drafting Philippine Commonwealth soldiers into U.S. armed service.
Joint Alliance-Philippines and International ANSWER Statement in Response to Philippine Pr (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) or Alliance-Philippines, and the International ANSWER Steering Committee of which it is a member, strongly denounce Bush “ally” Philippine president Gloria Arroyo for going forward with the implementation of an Anti-Terror Law (ATL), euphemistically called the Human Security Act, in the Philippines. We express our militant solidarity with the progressive forces in the Philippines who will be staging protests against Arroyo in all major cities throughout the country when she delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. Besides spinning the usual lies and deceit about her regime’s accomplishments, US “major ally” Arroyo is expected to make the ATL the centerpiece of her SONA.
JFAV Marks 66th USAFFE Day,US Filipino Vets March on Capitol Hill July 26 (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for FIlipino American Veterans( JFAV) and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans in California will mark the 66th anniversary of the 1941Military Order of President Franklin D.Roosevelt drafting Philippine Commonwealth soldiers into U.S. armed service. On July 26, 1941, Roosevelt ordered the formation of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) placing all Filipino forces under the U.S Command. This is in preparation for World War II. retired general Douglas Macarthur was designated as the field marshal placing the 120,000 Philippine Army, Constabulary, navy and aircorps and all Filipino ROTC reserve units under US Command. But despite this very clear consription order for 61 years, the Filipinos were discriminated,
AJLPP Mass Actions Against PGMA SONA Held in U.S Major Cities (tags)
Progressive forces in the United States demonstrated their militant solidarity with the Filipino people by conducting coordinated mass actions against Philippine President Macapagal-Arroyo’s state of the nation address in three major cities of the United States from July 22- 30, 2007. - July 23 from 6;30 to 8;00 PM, scores of Filipino Americans and their allies led by the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP)-USA held a vigil rally in front of the Philippine Consulate located in 3600 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. The rally ended with a solemn candle lighting ceremony as a tribute to more than 890 victims of fascism.. During the in one and half hour mass action against US –GMA, AJLPP activists and allies shouted slogans, OUST GMA, RESUME PEACE TALKS, the group displayed banners and signs and lined-up the streets in front of the consulate. AJLPP groups like KmB (Pro People Youth) and Pesante-USA with allies like the ANSWER-LA PWC, YOUTH UNITE and AFW participated AJLPP Mass Actions Against PGMA SONA Held in U.S Major Cities
Response to Philippine President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) or Alliance-Philippines, , strongly denounce Bush “ally” Philippine president Gloria Arroyo for going forward with the implementation of an Anti-Terror Law (ATL), euphemistically called the Human Security Act, in the Philippines. Arroyo’s Puppet Hypocrisy and US Intervention AJLPP strongly denounce the hypocrisy of the US- Arroyo regime for painting a rosy picture of the Philippines while poverty, corruption and repression grips the land. The Arroyo regime pretends to be interested in resuming peace talks with both the Philippine revolutionary movement represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while it ordered an attack against the MILF. The fascist regime continues its alarming spree of extra-judicial killings (now more than 870 since Arroyo took office in 2001) against political opponents and critics, and unleashes legalized fascism against the entire Filipino people through the implementation of the Anti-Terror Law.
FIL-AM COMMUNITY/ JFAV HAILS HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF EQUITY BILL (tags)
“Better late than never!” ( Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din!) The Filipino American community in Southern California and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) hailed today the passage of the Equity Bill in the House Veterans Affair Committee headed by Congressman Bob Filner by a vote of 15-12. The bill passed the Veterans Affairs Committee hearing last Tuesday, July 17. Earlier Filner promised to have the bill passed by June 30. JFAV coordinators Peping Baclig and Al P. Garcia of People’s CORE also thanked everybody who tirelessly work for this efforts for the last 18 years. Earlier the U.S. Senate passed their version that will grant old age pension to Filipino veterans in the U.S. and in the Philippines.
Confronting U.S. Empire: Reviewing Filipino American Insurgent Intellectual Production (tags)
This new intervention by internationally renowned Filipino scholar E. SAN JUAN, Jr. signals a renewed self-reflection by the Filipino American community and the entire diaspora of nearly 10 million Overseas Contract Workers.
The Recent Philippine Supreme Court Split Decision, Splits the Public (tags)
The recent Supreme Court split decision on the TRO filed by GO Candidate Koko Pimentel clearly shows how polarize is the Philippine society. The decision again highlights that justice is partial and serves the status quo. The decision, religiously followed by the Filipino American community in the United States, clearly shows how divided the Filipino society is and it is reflected among the 14 justices of the Supreme Court. In its recent decisions especially in the 2007 national elections. It just repeated the injustice perpetrated against presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr in 2004 only now, it is against Koko Pimentel. Basically it refused to decide on the conduct of elections and refers the cases to the Presidential, the
NDFP POSITION ON CEASEFIRE AND PEACE NEGOTIATIONS (tags)
The Arroyo regime is hell-bent on suppressing the Filipino people and revolutionary people by murdering, kidnapping, torturing and driving them away from their homes and land. But the Filipino people and revolutionary forces have always strongly manifested their determination to defend themselves and wage resistance, punish the worst of human rights violators and plunderers and build the new organs of democratic power to replace the ruling system of greed and terror. #
Pinoy war vets win pension battle in US Senate (tags)
The US Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs voted on Wednesday to give monthly pensions of up to $375 for Filipino World War II veterans and their widows for their service to Uncle Sam more than 60 years ago. “Today marks a special and historic occasion in our long-standing quest for justice and equity for our brave and courageous veterans,” said Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa after the committee, at a mark-up hearing, approved an omnibus benefits bill providing for a special set of benefits for men and women who have fought under the US flag. The measure provides a monthly pension of $300 for Filipino veterans who are single, $375 for married veterans and $200 for widows.
FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES: WHITHER? WHENCE? (tags)
The publication of four essays by Filipino activist-scholar E. SAN JUAN, Jr. on the situation of Filipinos in "the belly of the beast" marks a historic stage in the criticial self-examination of this community at a time when the USA Patriot Act and Bush's "war of terror" have stigmatized this group as somehow connected with the Abu Sayyaf terrorism in the Philippines. It is time for Filipinos in the U.S. to stand up and fight continuing racial stigmatization and inferiorization of the Filipino national identity. Makibaka, huwag matakot!
Philippine farmers demand reform and extension of agrarian reform program. (tags)
Philippine farmers demand reform and extension of agrarian reform program. Asian farmers join rally in solidarity with their struggle
JFAV Questions RP Embassy Data that Only 18,155 Filipino war vets are to benefit from US (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) adamantly questions the number of Filipino World War II veterans are expected to benefit from the equity bills awaiting action in both houses of the United States Congress, as reported in major newspapers. Newspapers quoted the report of Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa that only 18,155 of this number remain alive, according to Gaa.?"After the US Army left in 1948 with its list of Filipino WWII veterans, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued to list late registrants," But for JFAV, a community-veterans alliance based in California; “ the crux of the problem is that the main stream newspapers report did not report the other half of what Gaa reported that PVAO reported that figures of 33, 571 living veterans in the Philippines as of May 2007. PVAO also reported 54,000 living Filipino veterans in the Philippines in 2002.”
Filipino Ambassador to US besieged by questions on ‘human rights’ during talk In Seattle (tags)
The Honorable Willie Gaa, Philippine Ambassador to the US wrestled with claims of illegal arrest and detention of Congressman and labor leader Crispin Beltran and United Church of Christ Berlin Guerrero, the unabated political killings of unarmed social activists—at least 850 since Pres. Arroyo took power, and the involvement of the death squads affiliated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during an open discussion at the Filipino Community Center last Saturday, June 16th. A member of the Ecumenical Fellowship for Justice and Peace, a church-based human rights group, presented the full page advertisement of the ‘statement of concern’ of the church and labor community, demanding among other things an immediate end to state sponsored political violence and the release of all political prisoners in the Philippines.
The Philippine Midterm Elections, an indictment vs. Mrs. Arroyo (tags)
Manila-- The circus that is the recent Philippine midterm elections was an indictment of how Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "won" her presidency in the last 2004 elections and punctuated her government's acute isolation from the Filipino masses. The 12-0 illusion of Arroyo's Team Unity administration coalition delivered for the people more violence and systematic fraud. The regime's fraud machinery in Mindanao (the hocus-pocus site of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of Arroyo) was apparently exposed in how the recent elections were conducted most especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where bribe money, patronage politics were the rules of the game, ably presided by fraud operators and protectors sitting in the highest echelons in Comelec at the national and local levels.
The Philippine Midterm Elections, an indictment vs. Mrs. Arroyo (tags)
The circus that is the recent Philippine midterm elections was an indictment of how Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "won" her presidency in the last 2004 elections and punctuated her government's acute isolation from the Filipino masses. The 12-0 illusion of Arroyo's Team Unity administration coalition delivered for the people more violence and systematic fraud. The regime's fraud machinery in Mindanao (the hocus-pocus site of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of Arroyo) was apparently exposed in how the recent elections were conducted most especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where bribe money, patronage politics were the rules of the game, ably presided by fraud operators and protectors sitting in the highest echelons in Comelec at the national and local levels
Denounce the Preset Rotten Elections in the Philippines (tags)
The entire revolutionary movement under its leadership denounce the oppression, exploitation and abuses continually committed by the ruling elite against the Bangsamoro as well as the entire Filipino people. These have been brought to scandalous heights and have become the focus of national attention during the recent elections as systematized coercion, unbridled violence, widespread vote-buying, deprivation of the people’s right to vote, unmitigated cheating and manipulation of the vote count took the place of real elections in Moro areas.
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
HONORING SALUD ALGABRE, FILIPINA WOMAN WARRIOR / PAGPUPUGAY KAY SALUD ALGABRE (tags)
E. San Juan's new collection of poems in Filipino include a homage to the Filipina woman warrior, Salud Algabre, a peasant leader of the 1930 Sakdal Uprising against U.S. colonialism and its local agents, the Filipino oligarchy, whose descendants now rule the neocolony.
Filipino World War II Veterans dwindling in US Army roster (tags)
Only 18,155 Filipino World War II veterans are still alive out of 260,143 veterans listed in the US Army roster immediately after the war, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa said. He said this “accurate count of surviving Filipino World War II veterans” came from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) which maintains a list of survivors, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) which has a roster of Filipino WWII veterans.
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
REPORT ON THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
Interview of Filipino Activist Intellectual E. SAN JUAN, Jr.
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.
Election Fraud and Violence in the Philippines Exposed at the Annual RP Independence Day (tags)
Sining Pandayan or "forging art" in Filipino is the multi-generational, multi-sectoral cultural group comprised of workers, women, immigrant and second-generation youth, students, young professionals, and LGBTQ, mainly from DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association and Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan. Sining Pandayan uses various cultural and expressive means such as poetry, music and street theater to project issues of the Filipino people, both in the homefront and locally.
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
Film Review: The Piracy of the “Pirates: On the World’s End” (tags)
What I enjoy with Hollywood is that it has a license to do everything with anything. Like the voyages of the pirates that went awry from Southeast Asian port of Singapore to the icy poles and to the sea of legendary Hades. They were quiet on the fact by piracy, England and Holland built their empires on the skulls and bones of their victims at the sea. Try to visit Amsterdam and you can see the monuments to the Dutch pirates who colonized a lot of nations like Indonesia also called the Dutch East Indies for the Netherland
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
A Cultural Review: A Good and Exceptional Filipino Cultural Night (tags)
If “ the Samahang Pilipino Cultural Night is the culmination of a yearlong journey of education and preparation undertaken by the Samahang Pilipino cast and the by-product serves as an important avenue to share and explore Pilipino culture,” then the last presentation “BALIKBAYAN: The Journey Home “ on May 19 was a success. Going further, it served its purpose to “address issues relevant to the Pilipino and the Pilipino-American community. We in the Filipino community, further salute the Samahang Pilipino especially the script development groups who was able to integrate the issues like immigration, immigrant rights, Pilipino Diaspora, identity issues among Pilipinos and Filipino American youths, the yearning to go back to the homeland, the issue of political killings, systemic change and nationalism as well as integration to the mainstream- the real community empowerment in the American society into the cultural event.
Fil-Am Vets Ask VA Sec Nicholson to Resign: Group rallies in front of VA Clinic in LA (tags)
About 20 Filipino World War II veterans and their supporters rallied in front of the Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Los Angeles on May 8 to ask for the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson. The protest occurred after last week’s Associated Press report that said Nicholson paid bonuses of up to $33,000 to senior federal workers amidst a $1 billion shortfall in the VA budget.
25,000 March /Rally Renews Call for Immigrant rights: more than 20,000 Took Back Macarthur (tags)
[Editors' note: this article includes several uncited quotations from today's LA Times article "Park rally renews call for rights." In addition, the claim of 20-25,000 people seems to us to be (unfortunately) wishful thinking. We note that the rally at the church was confined by police to one full city block, and the number of people assembled in the Park before the march arrived was a similar number. We ask all contributors to LA Indymedia to please clearly indicate any and all quotes from other sources, and be realistic in your crowd estimates. Thank you.]Immigrants and their advocated returned to the streets for the first time since May Day with Latino elected officials in tow, escorted by the LAPD who piggy backed for “public relations” during the march/rally to erase police brutality. More than 25,000 immigrant rights activists marched Thursday to Macarthur Park to again call for a path to citizenship for the nation's 12 million illegal immigrants. The Filipino contingent led by the Pilipino Workers Center and the AJLPP attended by scores of youth activists was very prominent in the march waving Filipino flags and charting MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT! . Waving Mexican, Salvadorian, Honduran, Filipino and American flags and signs reading "No to Deportation," and calling for genuine legalization, about 25,000 marchers gathered about 6 p.m. for a brief rally in front of Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Wilshire Boulevard before heading to the park several blocks away.
AJLPP-USA Congratulates Five Filipino Progressive Party-List Groups for their Electoral V (tags)
CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP ON SERVING THE PEOPLE!” The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) based in the United States greets the five Philippine progressive party-list groups that declared their victory on Thursday with militant hurrahs! Mario Santos, AJLPP national coordinator said: “ The AJLPP is one with the Filipino people in working for the victory of the party-list groups. AJLPP organizations in the United and other allied groups like GABRIELA –USA fully mobilized their forces to support the party-list groups. We are united with them in their declaration of victory and will maintain vigilance until all votes are counted. The Filipino people have spoken. Their voices are loud and clear. They rejected the corrupt and puppet US-Arroyo regime and wants change! The data from exit polls and the media quick count showed the overwhelming support from the people that the party-list groups got is not only a show of confidence but also a great tribute to those who are until now re missing and the martyrs that have given their lives for democracy and freedom”
FiLIPINO VETERANS/ JFAV CALLS VA NICHOLSON, RESIGN, NOW! (tags)
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, Resign Now! Hundreds of Filipino World War II veterans, youth and students and their community supporters led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ACFV in several U.S. cities rallied at the VA offices in Seattle, San Francisco ( May 7), Los Angeles ( May 8) and San Diego ( May 9) and called on Veterans Affair Secretary Jim Nicholson to resign. The Veterans decision to ask for Nicholson resignation was made last May 6, during a nationwide teleconference held in Arlington Virginia on the 65 year anniversary of the fall of Corregidor Day. Key ACFV and JFAV leaders decided on a unanimous vote to call for Nicholson resignation.
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 US WIDE MASS ACTIONS: CALLS VA SECRETARY: RESIGN NOW! (tags)
Filipino World War II veterans, youth and students and their community supporters led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ACFV in four major U.S. cities held mass actions and rallied at the VA offices in Seattle, San Francisco ( May 7), Los Angeles ( May 8) and San Diego ( May 9) and called on Veterans Affair Secretary Jim Nicholson to resign. Last May 6, during a nationwide teleconference held in Arlington Virginia on the 65 year anniversary of the fall of Corregidor Day. Key ACFV and JFAV leaders decided on a unanimous vote to call for Nicholson resignation.
KABATAAN PARTY LIST SUPPORT GROUPS EVENTS (tags)
In nationally-coordinated events in California and New York last April 28, 29 and May 4, over 350 Filipino youth gathered to show unwavering support for KABATAAN Partylist, the leading and only partylist representing the youth sector in the upcoming elections in the Philippines. Using rock and acoustic music, hip hop, poetry, and shadow theater, Filipino youth used their creativity to show how their local issues are connected with the issues of youth in the Philippines addressed by the KABATAAN Partylist.
NATIONAL FILIPINO YOUTH CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT KABATAAN PARTYLIST (tags)
In nationally-coordinated events in California and New York last April 28, 29 and May 4, over 350 Filipino youth gathered to show unwavering support for KABATAAN Partylist, the leading and only partylist representing the youth sector in the upcoming elections in the Philippines. Using rock and acoustic music, hip hop, poetry, and shadow theater, Filipino youth used their creativity to show how their local issues are connected with the issues of youth in the Philippines addressed by the KABATAAN Partylist.
CELEBRATE GREAT CINCO DE MAYO WITH GREAT ANTI IMPERIALIST PRIDE (tags)
The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace (AJLPP)-USA greets the Mexican people with the highest militance and anti-imperialist salute of international solidarity on their great holiday Cinco De Mayo. SALUD!!! That is why we in the Filipino American community is takes pride with this anti-imperialist event with our brother Mexicans victory over the colonial army of France while America was embroiled in their own civil war. As Ho Chi Minh said “ There is nothing more precious than Independence.” That is the great historical anti-imperialist lesson of Cinco De Mayo
JFAV JOINS US-WIDE MAY DAY MARCH/RALLIES IN LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 5 veterans, 32 youth, student and 25 community organizations in Southern California, militantly supports the nationwide mass action on the International Worker Day, may 1, 2007 all over the United States/ On May 1, 2007 we will again march in Historic Filipinotown and join the march rally in MaArthur Park. We call for family reunification, justice for veterans and full rights for all immigrants, now! We strongly condemn the racist attacks and raids against immigrants all over the nation. More than 4,000 Filipinos has been deported because of such massive raids.
FILIPINO YOUTH IN THE US TO HOLD NATIONALLY-COORDINATED MUSIC AND POETRY FESTIVALS (tags)
New York & California – In the final two-week push before the May elections in the Philippines, Filipino youth, musicians, spoken word artists, organizers and allies are coming together in New York and Los Angeles to show support for the KABATAAN Partylist, the largest youth party representing the youth sector in the upcoming Philippine elections, and to call for clean and fair elections. Youth of KABATAAN-Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the Motherland), based in New York and New Jersey, and KABATAAN-Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB, Pro-People Youth), based in California, will speak out for the rights of Filipino youth, both in the Philippines and here, in the US.
JFAV JOINS US-WIDE MAY DAY MARCH/RALLIES, STANDS FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND FULL RIGHTS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 26 veterans, youth, student and community organizations in Southern California, militantly supports the nationwide mass action on the International Worker Day, may 1, 2007 all over the United States/ On May 1, 2007 we will again march in Historic Filipinotown and join the march rally in MaArthur Park. We call for family reunification, justice for veterans and full rights for all immigrants, now! We strongly condemn the racist attacks and raids against immigrants all over the nation. More than 4,000 Filipinos has been deported because of such massive raids.
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.
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.
Filipino World War II Veterans /JFAV Supports April 7 March & Rally for Immigrant Rights (tags)
Join pro-immigrant organizations Latino Movement USA, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), People's CORE/CDIR and many others, including the ANSWER Coalition, for a march and rally to demand full rights for all immigrants
Progressive FilAm Organizations in Los Angeles Snubbed the March 26 PNP-AFP “Pulong Bayan (tags)
More than 20 Filipino American journalists attended the Philippine Consulate General’s “Pulong Bayan sa Konsulado” on Human Rights in the Philippines with deputy director General of the PNP, General Avelino Razon last Monday, March 26 at 3600 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles. But prominently absent were representatives from different Southern California Filipino American progressive organizations like the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP), Gabriela and other organizations who were also invited but who boycotted the affair.
AJLPP-NY/NJ DENOUNCES THE WAR ON IRAQ AT THE MARCH ON THE PENTAGON (tags)
Speech delivered by Leah Obias of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) - NY/NJ at the historic March on the Pentagon on March 17, 2007 in Washington DC
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino Conference March 10-11: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS (tags)
“All Out for Equity and Justice” With this battle cry, over 150 community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans all over Southern California and Los Angeles gathered for a successful Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. The Unity Conference began at 9:00 a.m. of each day at the Moore Hall at the UCLA campus. On Saturday, March 10, 7:00 p.m, over 200 people came to an exhilarating three-hour Cultural Solidarity Night at 100 Moore Hall UCLA Campus Los Angeles, CA 90095. The cultural night featured the showing of the 35-minute documentary, “Broken Promises,” performances by spoken word artists, cultural groups and other surprise numbers and paid glowing tribute to our veteran heroes. Conference organizers awarded a plaque of appreciation to longtime veteran rights’ supporter, Allan Pineda Lindo, a.k.a. Apl de Ap of world famous Grammy-awarded hip hop group, “Black Eyed Peas.”
Women's Day marchers beaten up in Manila (tags)
The Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) denounces the attempt of the police to brutally disperse the rally of APL-women commemorating International Women's Day.
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino Conference March 10-11: ALL OUT FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE! (tags)
“All Out for Equity and Justice” With this battle cry, the community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans in Southern California and Los Angeles cordially invite the public to come and gather for a Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Veterans leaders like Commander Jack Vergara of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI); Commander Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Commander Peping Baclig of JFAV; Commander Joe Samonte of Long Beach and Veterans Federations of the Philippines (VFP; Commander Flor Cadiente of FACLA; Commander Eugenio Mondok of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and Sam Icalina and Manny Aquino of Carson full mobilized heir membership and will grace the occasion.
“Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference on March 10-11 at UCLA (tags)
Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference. Collectivizing our Efforts to Attain Full Recognition for Filipino World War II veterans- will be held on March 10-11, 2007 at Kerchoff Hall, UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Gathering more momentum for the passage of the Equity Bill after the successful February 15 hearing at the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will holding the conference . The Veteran, Student, and Community Educational Conference theme is "Collectivizing our efforts to attain full recognition for Filipino World War II veterans." This is to follow-up and activate more pro-active advocacy for the passage of the veterans equity bill.
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino “Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference on March 10-11 (tags)
“Equity and Justice Thron Full Recognition for Filipino World War II veterans- will be held on March 10-11, 2007 at Kerchoff Hall, UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Gathering more momentum for the passage of the Equity Bill after the successful February 15 hearing at the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will holding the conference . The Veteran, Student, and Community Educational Conference theme is "Collectivizing our efforts to attain full recognition for Filipino World War II veterans." This is to follow-up and activate more pro-active advocacy for the passage of the veterans equity bill.
APPROACHING THE FILIPINO EXODUS & DIASPORA (tags)
Two new books by noted Filipino author E. SAN JUAN, Jr. explore the predicament of millions of Filipinos leaving the Philippines and working or settling in other countries around the world--an unprecedented 9-10 milllion of 85 million Filipinos are scattered around the planet. Their huge remittance props up a sharply divided class society where a tiny oligarchy (supported by Washington/Pentagon) exploits and oppresses the majority. Over 830 victims of extrajudicial killings occured from 2001 up to the present under Arroyo's corrupt, illegitimate regime. Why is this happening?
STATEMENT ON THE POLITICAL KILLINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES (tags)
We Filipino-American students call for an end to the murder of activists in the Philippines and to a Philippine government that works against rather in the national interest.
Pesante-EFJP Los Angeles Remembers Mendiola Massacre 20th Year and Political Killing Vict (tags)
Filipinos and their solidarity allies militantly remembered the 20th year of the Mendiola Massacre of January 22, 1987, solemnly paid tribute to the 820 victims of political killings in the Philippines and reaffirmed their solidarity to the people’s struggle in the Philippines last night, January 22, 2001 at Remy’s on Temple Art Gallery in Historic Filipino town, Los Angeles. Scores of Filipino Americans and their solidarity allies held a 20-minute ecumenical service led by Rev. Frs. Joe Tronco, Dennis and Rene De Guzman. A 12-minute short film “ The Golf War” explaining the situation of the Philippine peasantry was also shown.
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Year-End Report, 2006 (tags)
The year 2006 was a fruitful and a meaningful year for Filipino World War II Veterans and their advocates. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) started the year with a collective action and ended it with a Christmas celebration. JFAV was formed in December 16, 1998 in Los Angeles. It took over from the December 7 Movement (D7M) that started the veterans movement gfor recogntion, justice and equity campaign with the first mass action infront of the Westwood Federal building on Decmber 7, 1993. Now JFAV is composed of 32 youth and student organizations, 25 community organizations and 5 veterans organizations based in Southern California and a network all over the United States. We in JFAV take this opportunity not only to report our activities and greet our activist and advocates a new year, but to thank everybody for a year well done and accomplished!
The AJLPP-USA Year End Report, 2006 (tags)
The SolCom was able to gather more than 5,000 petitions, sent more than 2,000 signed postcards to the Europe, sold more than 500 books, issued thousands of postcards, hundreds of posters and buttons in its three years of action until AJLPP came into existence. It is worthwhile to look back and retrace the steps the AJLPP has taken during the last year 2006 so it can look forward in this current year 2007. It is but fitting to move forward with greater zeal and determination to serve the Filipino people and the Filipino American community in the United States.
PHOTOS - U.S. Marines Accused of Rape in Philippines (tags)
U.S. Marine convicted in Philippines rape case 21-year-old gets 40 years in prison; case has tested U.S.-Philippines ties
ON THE 143rd BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF ANDRES BONIFACIO AND THE 42nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE KM (tags)
Those of us who are from the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) are especially proud to celebrate the 143rd birth anniversary of the great Supremo (Supreme Leader) Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan, which ended over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule over the Philippines. On November 30, 1964, on his very 101st birthday, the organization of the Kabataang Makabayan (KM – Patriotic Youth), meanwhile, was founded. Subsequently, various other youth-student organizations and those in the community, such as the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK), Katipunan ng Kabataang Demokratiko (KKD), Samahang Molabe (SM), Kamanyang and others, were also founded in different parts of the Philippines.
JFAV STANDS FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND SUPPORTS FULL IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 26 veterans, youth, student and community organizations in Southern California, wholeheartedly supports and salutes the all veterans and their families on the solemn occasion of Veterans Day, November 11, 2006
NOV. 11, 2006 6TH VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT: A SUCCESS (tags)
With the slogan" “”Full Rights for All immigrants, Justice for Veterans, Now” more than 2,000 people participated last Saturday’s PCORE/JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipinotown , Los Angeles. The event started will the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War.
6TH VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT : JUSTICE FOR VETERANS, FULL RIGHTS FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS! (tags)
dale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 With the slogan" “”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! , Filipino Americans in Los Angeles are all set for the 6th PCORE/ JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.The event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders
Nov 17th is an Action Day For Imprisoned Anarchists in The Philippines (tags)
A day of protest has been called for the Sagada 11, young anarchists falsely accused of a Maoist guerilla attack and tortured in The Philippines - Phone, fax, email, write on Friday, 17th November. Also more actions at embassies etc are encouraged, please copy and distribute the leaflet below, and last but not least please write to the prisoners directly.
All is set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2006 (tags)
“”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.The annual community event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders
6th ANNUAL PCORE/JFAV VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT (tags)
With the theme: “”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now!", the Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade The 6th Annual JFAV Veterans Day Organizing Committee led by People’s CORE /JFAV Steering Committee is proud to announce that the 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Veterans Memorial Monument to Be Unveiled at the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade (tags)
“”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Veterans Day Parade and other activities. The 6th Veterans Day Organizing Committee and the Steering Committee is proud to announce hat the 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair I Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 in Historic Filipinotown from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Filipino Activists protest Charter change, killings in Mendiola (tags)
Thousands of FIlipino protesters led by the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP-The Philippine Peasant Movement) marched Friday to denounce President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's campaign to amend the constitution and what they said was a spate of political killings in the Philippines. The Philippine Peasant Support Network(Pesante-USA) expressed solidarity with this nationwide mass action in the Philippines. As a Filipino peasant advocacy group, Pesante was formed in the U.S in 1991 and is a member of the Aliiance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP).
5,700 US troops coming for war exercises in Luzon (tags)
Some 5,700 American military personnel will join Filipino troops this month in major war drills, including live-fire exercises, amphibious landings and ship interdictions, US and Philippine military officials said yesterday.
5,700 US TROOPS COMING FOR WAR EXERCISES IN LUZON (tags)
ome 5,700 American military personnel will join Filipino troops this month in major war drills, including live-fire exercises, amphibious landings and ship interdictions, US and Philippine military officials said yesterday. Unlike recent training in Mindanao, the new joint exercises will not be aimed primarily at battling terrorism but focus on routine drills to enhance both forces’ capabilities to operate together, US Marine Capt. Burrell Parmer said.
FILIPINO WORKERS IN THE U.S. FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS (tags)
Thousands of FIlipino workers in the hospitals, hotels and ships all over the United States went on strike to fight for their rights. Thousands of them in the different unions are poised to fight for their rights until next year
Pesante-USA Condemns Peasant leader murder in Bohol (tags)
Pesante-USA condemns the US-Arroy's reign of terror against the Filipino peasants especially those who are involved with the KMP, ANAKPAWIS, BAYAN MUNA, GABRIELA and other progressive groups. More than 745 persons have been killed since Arroyo asssumed power in 2001. "The US-Arroyo terrorism will backfire and will only earn emnity and disdain from the people/ For sure she will suffer the same fate that befell Marcos, Estrada and other tyrants who oppressed the Filipino people." Pesante statement ended.
Commemorate August 23, 1896, the Cry of Pugad Lawin: The Start of the 1896 Revolution (tags)
There are limits to what the cedula and terrorist killings can accomplish in keeping the restive Filipino people cowed into submission. Aspiring Mini-Me Dictator Arroyo must realize that Dictator Marcos’ brazen terrorism and iron-fist rule did not last indefinitely. And like the Cry of August 23, 1896, the Filipino people will once again rise up and fight their oppressors. The Filipino people will finish the unfinished Philippine Revolution against US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism until they become truly sovereign and free.
Filipinos Protests US-Israel Agression vs Lebanon and Palestine (tags)
Filipino Workers reject US navy offer, insist justice be done first (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR), in support of the Filipino wokrers demands and just struggle, printed this news that appeared both in the Balita Weekend , a Filipino American news weekly in Southern California and in the Filipino Channel North American that featured the discrimination of Filipino civilian workers at the US navy facility here in San Diego. The Workers flatly rejected an offer by their manager to take them back in, saying it sweeps off their complaints against repeated abuse and discrimination and demands for better working conditions, and releases the US Navy from any responsibility in their dismissal.
The Filipino American Community Problems on the Pilipino Language (tags)
August is usually the National Language Week ( Linggo ng Wika) in the Philippines. Pesante-USA presented this paper this week for Filipinos in the Philippines and America to ponder. Its an irony while the Philippine government ( US-Arroyo regime) is reverting to the colonial mendicancy of propagating English to compete in the international market for labor exports, Filipinos abroad and Filipino Americans in the U.S are advancing the propagation of Pilipino in the United States. This is an important development we should monitor and work on. The more than 3 million Filipinos in the United States might be away from their homeland but their patriotism is afire and will never forget their roots.
Get Filipino OFW’s Out of Lebanon, (tags)
Up to now, less than 2,000 out of the 30,000 have returned to the Philippines. The President’s promise to “evacuate all Filipinos out of Lebanon” is just another empty promise that she is fond of making to endear herself to the country but to no avail. What we see now is the slow pace of evacuation being done by the government. There is no serious plan on the part of the Manila government to get the majority of Filipino OFW’s out of harm’s way.
US intelligence guides hunters of Abu Sayyaf (tags)
Guided by intelligence given by the US Army, Filipino troops on Thursday continued their assault on suspected lairs of the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo for the third straight day. The military is hot on the trail of Khadaffy Janjalani, the Abu Sayyaf chieftain, and two Jemaah Islamiya leaders, Umar Patek and Dulmatin.
Are the Filipinos Really United? (tags)
This year, the 4th year commemoration of the Historic Filipinotown district on August 5, 2006 will take the form of the traditional Pilipino “Pistahan “(Community Feast ) in a common Filipino town. Different community as well as private entities have lined-up different program of activities. They will be the sites of the different events that will last the whole day.
JFAV Supports the Repeal of Marcos Decree Against Filipino Veterans (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)-USA supports Filipino veterans struggle in the Philippines and the United States against the Marcos-era decree that terminated the benefits of retired Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel who had acquired foreign citizenship and the counterpart measure seeking the repeal of Presidential Decree 1638 (or the AFP Military Personnel Retirement and Separation Decree of 1979) has yet to be filed in the Senate.
In the light of the profound economic and political crisis in the Philippines today, what could be the significance of celebrating the one-hundred year anniversary of the coming of Filipino contract labor to Hawaii? Are Filipinos the new compradors for the militarist U.S. Empire? Or are they harbingers of a new generation of combatants from the oppressed communities? At the turn of the century, the revolutionary organizer Rosa Luxemburg elegized the dismal plight of the subjugated natives. Today, US Special Forces are back to reconquer the neocolony, with the natives no longer smiling, now up in arms, united with people of color in Venezuela, Palestine, Hawaii, Nepal, Mexico, and other battlefronts of our beleaguered planet. Whither the Filipino diaspora?
On the 65h Year of the Formation of the USAFFE (tags)
On the 65th Anniversary of the impression of Filipino Army to the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) today, on July 26, 1941 different groups held different kinds of commemoration all over California.FAV, People’s CORE are calling all Filipino American community activists, youth leaders and all concerned individuals and organizations all over the United States to be vigilant and struggle to have the Senate Bill or any compromise bill pass with the amendment for Filipino American veterans and their families.
Dismantle the US-Arroyo Fascist Puppet Regime, Resume Peace Negotiations Now! (tags)
For the sixth time, the fake president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver her State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the traditional year-end report to elucidate new policies like all Philippine presidents do. But her sixth SONA will no different from her previous ones: all the high-tech glitz and fanfare in the world will not be able to hide its emptiness and utter lack of credibility
The State of the Philippine Education (tags)
Getting “Dumb & Dumber” under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Rains, loud music keep protesters away from cops (tags)
It rained on their parade, but the band played on. Incessant heavy rains spawned by typhoon "Glenda" and loud music from the Philippine National Police (PNP) band kept hundreds of protesters in Quezon City in check and away from police lines hours before President Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address (SONA), a ranking police official said yesterday. The police initially expected the number of protesters to be between 15,000 and 20,000. As of noon yesterday, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) estimated that its delegation totaled 10,000 people.
FilAm Vets Lobby Congress on July 26 (tags)
Filipino American World War II veterans will march again on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 on Capitol Hill to conduct face-to-face lobbying with members of congress, according to the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, a Washington-based advocacy group. The veterans from California, Texas, New York, New Jersey and other cities will mark the 65th anniversary of the 1941 Military Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt that drafted morethan 140,000 Filipino soldiers into the U.S. Army by appealing to key House members and White House officials to pass the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification immigration amendment.
E. San Juan's recent book, ONLY BY STRUGGLE (Quezon City: Giraffe Books), represents one of the most important progressive voices in the movement for national democracy and liberation in the Philippines. This review highlights some noteworthy themes of the work.
Pesante Support the South Central Farmers Struggle for Land and Life! (tags)
The Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante), a Filipino peasant, environmental and human rights advocacy network in the United States wholeheartedly support the struggle of 450 families in the South Central Farms that is now under the threat of land grabbing of the capitalist groups in Los Angeles.
2nd Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown Flores De Mayo Festival May 27, 2006- A Success (tags)
The Historic Filipinotown residents and organizations marked the centenary of the Filipino workers migration to the United States in 2006 with a successful 2nd Mayflower Festival (Flores De Mayo) last Saturday, May 27 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.
Historic Filipinotown Flores De Mayo Festival May 27, “Philippine Idol” - April Boy Regino (tags)
The Historic Filipinotown residents and organizations will commemorate the centenary of the Filipino workers migration to the United States in 2006 with the holding of the 2nd annual Historic Filipinotown Mayflower Festival (Flores De Mayo) on Saturday, May 27 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. Philippine Idol- the famous singer-April Boy Regino who is in Los Angeles for his show was invited to perform during the festival.
JFAV Persevere Our Struggle For Full Rights for All Immigrants and Recognition, Justice an (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) is seriously monitoring the US Congress debates and deliberations on the current bill on immigration overhaul that will make a long lasting impact on the whole gamut of American lives in years to come. ? Arturo P. Garcia, People’s CORE immigrant rights and advocacy desk and JFAV coordinator said: “More than 1/3 or 4 to 5 million immigrants will be forced to hide deeper into the shadows when the US Congress decides to send them all home when it chose to implement the “temporary guest work program” that will divide immigrants, separates families and put up obstacles for undocumented immigrants in their quest for residency and citizenship.”
JFAV Greets Senate Vote Giving Veterans Special Immigrant Status as a Tactical Victory, (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) greet the news that the US Senate unanimously approved by a voice vote on Thursday (Friday in Manila) an amendment in the proposed immigration reform bill that would allow Philippine-based single or married children of Filipino World War II veterans to join them in the United States, as a tactical victory in its 60 years of struggle for recognition, justice and equity.
US-Arroyo regime, Filipino Social Democrats and the AFP death squads, (tags)
If Marx called Christian Socialism the holy water in which the reactionaries dip their fingers in to become holy, we in the First Quarter Storm Network (FQSN) call the Social Democrats led by Fr. Romeo Intengan and Norberto Gonzales as the vinegar that these reactionary brutes dip the wounds of the victims of their deadly terrorist killing campaigns. The latest pronouncement of Norberto Gonzales that the NPA hit squads are in Manila and are out to assassinate Gloria and some members of her cabinet (including him of course) is a dirty psy-war to set the stage for their death squads to kill leading progressive leaders like the Batasan 5 and other progressive leaders in Metro Manila. No doubt it is a cheap attempt to divert attention from the widespread public outcry nationally as well as internationally against the Arroyo regime’s bloody campaign which has already claimed the lives of hundreds of progressive mass activists.
Filipinos—Forgotten Heroes of the UFW (tags)
Filipino labor leaders played pivotal roles in organizing labor unions and fighting for farm workers’ rights
THE FILIPINO PEASANT IMAGINATION VERSUS AMERICAN LEFTISM (tags)
The following remarks are intended to supplement the author's paper "Blueprint for a Bulosan Project" posted in the online journal OUR OWN VOICE. This essay critiques the position of "leftists" in the elite U.S. academies who claim a "manifest destiny" to civilize colonized subalterns and peasant radicals like the Filipino writer Carlos Bulosan who (they claim) have failed to take "America" out of a transnationalizing U.S. Studies. Are we seeing a replay of the "Thomasites" who produced generations of neocolonized "little brown brothers" now serving U.S. imperialist aggression in Iraq, Aghanistan, Palestine, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and in the Philippines, its former direct colony? "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea...."
CDIR -People's CORE Statement of the Cinco De Mayo, 2006: Que Viva La Raza! (tags)
The Coalition in Defense of Immigrant Rights (CDIR) and all its allied organizations in the United States send its most militant greetings to our Chicano Brothers and sisters and to the Mexican people in their celebration of Cinco De Mayo.The Cinco De Mayo, 2006 takes a significant feature this year with the success of the Greta American Boycott last May 1 and the series of immigrant mass actions from March 25 to may 1. The unity and the outpouring of the immigrant workers of all nationalities especially the Chicano people are tremendous and awesome.
Filipinos All Over the United States Joined the May 1 Great American Boycott and Immigrant (tags)
From Los Angeles and Seattle in the West to Chicago in the Midwest to Houston in the South and Miami, Florida in the Southeast up to New York, Manhattan in the Northeast, hundreds of Filipinos joined their fellow immigrants in the millions to demand full immigrant rights and amnesty. Thousands of them joined the boycott or just watched and wildly cheered from the sidelines flying the American flags as the Filipino contingents marched by.
Hundreds of Filipino Americans Join the Two Los Angeles Marches (tags)
Hundreds of Filipinos flying the Philippine flag marched in downtown Los Angeles in the morning and again, in the late afternoon from MacArthur Park to Miracle Mile, Wilshire, west Los Angeles in rallies that drew hundreds of thousands of people up to an estimated number of more than a million people. The Filipino contingent stopped at the Philippine consulate at Wilshire-Kingsley Street for more than three minutes and held a short program. They shouted: OUST GMA, Resign GMA, NO TO CHA-CHA! and STOP THE FASCIST KILLINGS! FREE THE BATASAN 6! They were cheered by the thousands of marchers and the Filipinos who were lining up in front of the St. Basil’s Catholic Church and at the consulate grounds.
A CALL TO ALL FILIPINOS AND IMMIGRANTS OF ALL NATIONALITIES TO UNITE TO DEFEND IMMIGRANT R (tags)
The Coalition to Defend Immigrant Rights (CDIR), a multi-ethnic alliance of immigrant rights advocates in Los Angeles, calls on the Filipino American community to march shoulder to shoulder with their Latino brothers and sisters and come out in force on May 1, 2006. Rallyists will assemble at Broadway and Olympic St at 12:00 PM and march to the City Hall and at 7th and Wilshire St. (MacArthur Park) to La Brea in Los Angeles.
In Remembrance of the 91st Year of the Armenian Genocide by Turkish Authorities, April 24, (tags)
Every April 24, the Armenian community all over the world remembers the Turkish genocide of the Armenian people which began with the arrest of 250 prime leaders and intellectuals of the Armenian community in Turkey and their subsequent massacre in the hands of Turkish rulers on April 24, 1915 at the height of the First World War.
All out for April 10 National Mobilization (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, community, youth and students organizations in southern California, commemorates the 64th year of the Fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. It also calls for total and all out support for the April 10 national mobilization for full immigrants rights on April 10 and May 1.
Remember Bataan, Fight for Recognition, Justice and Equity! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, community, youth and students organizations in southern California, commemorates the 64th year of the Fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942 Today, we mark the Bataan Day. Why is it important to us? April 9 is a national holiday in the Philippines. Bataan became a byword in the United States because the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFFE) resisted the Japanese conquest of the Philippines and held their lines from December 10, 1942 until they were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942.
WALKOUT - A Critical Review (tags)
Some people have recently called the HBO film, Walkout, as “providing much inspiration to the student walkouts” across America in recent days. Although the film is a historical feature that tells the story of the Chicano people’s struggle against racism and discrimination and is undoubtedly a breakthrough against white supremacy, it is also a telling lesson in the chauvinism of some Chicano activists towards Filipinos in America. This is a case of a majority minority that unconsciously or consciously discriminates against another albeit smaller national minority in advocating for its own self-determination in the United States.
FILIPINOS IN THE U.S.A. AND AROUND THE WORLD: WHENCE AND WHITHER? (tags)
About ten million Filipinos are now scattered in the U.S. and around the world, chiefly as exploited migrant labor. Meanwhile, 85 million Filipinos--with the exception of a tiny privileged minority--are sufffering and resisting the current repressive regime in a rapidly deteriorating neocolonized social order. The Philippines has one of the most durable and vibrant revolutionary traditions in the whole world--the first Asian people to revolt against Western colonialism. 4.1 million Filipinos died opposing U.S. domination in the Filipino-American War at the turn of the last century. Today Filipinos are engaged in a popular democratic revolutionary process against U.S. imperialism and its local agents. Can overseas Filipinos contribute to the radical transformation of a world afflicted by the atrocities and terrors of global capitalism?
VIDEO REPORT "No to State of Emergency" LA Philippine Consulate (tags)
KmB USA Pro-People News Presents...videos clip of the actions taken in Los Angeles 2/24/06 in front of the Philippine Consulate.
CRISIS AND DISINTEGRATION OF THE ARROYO FASCIST REGIME IN THE PHIIPPINES (tags)
A critical analysis of the inherent contradictions in the current regime in the Philippines would reveal the logic of irreversible fascist decay. While objective conditions have polarized and sharpened the divisions within the ruling bloc, the subjective forces of national democracy and anti-imperialism have not fully organized and united to deliver the decisive blow. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its agents are working behind the scenes to pick a successor to Arroyo and re-consolidate its neocolonial stranglehold. But will millions of concerned Filipinos allow the U.S. and its "guns, goons and gold" to determine again our collective fate and national destiny? Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world will have to decide as the Arroyo cabal, convulved with death-pangs, lashes out at everyone within reach.
STATE of EMERGENCY has been imposed in the PHILIPPINES! (tags)
Several dozen demonstrators were arrested, mostly social movement activists and civil society leaders including Ronald Llamas, president of AKBAYAN and Professor Randy David, a well-known academic and vocal critique of the Arroyo government.
Kabataang maka-Bayan USA Pro-People Youth condemns the outright fascist Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) in its attempt to circumvent the democratic rights of the Filipino people by declaring a State of Emergency.
Police Brutality Strikes Filipino Youth in Jersey City Groups Tag Cops Racist, Anti-Immigr (tags)
Filipino groups are outraged over what many are calling "a blatant act of police brutality, racial discrimination, and anti-immigrant sentiment" on the part of two Jersey City police officers who arrested and detained a young Filipino who was about to file a complaint against an erring cab driver. Alan James Alda, 25, a Jersey City warehouse worker originally from Manila, was startled when police suddenly "arrested and threw him into a detention cell" at approximately 3 am on Saturday after he asked for the names of the two police officers who rudely dismissed his complaint against cab driver for overcharging fare. The two police officers were later identified as Sgt. Dennis Halleran and Officer A. Nunez of the Jersey City Police Department.
Police Brutality Strikes Filipino Youth in Jersey City (tags)
Jersey City, NJ-- Filipino groups are outraged over what many are calling "a blatant act of police brutality, racial discrimination, and anti-immigrant sentiment" on the part of two Jersey City police officers who arrested and detained a young Filipino who was about to file a complaint against an erring cab driver. Alan James Alda, 25, a Jersey City warehouse worker originally from Manila, was startled when police suddenly "arrested and threw him into a detention cell" at approximately 3 am on Saturday after he asked for the names of the two police officers who rudely dismissed his complaint against cab driver for overcharging fare. The two police officers were later identified as Sgt. Dennis Halleran and Officer A. Nunez of the Jersey City Police Department.
The anniversary of the death of the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal this Dec. 30 affords us the occasion to reassess his work, particularly in the context of ongoing fierce class war in the Philippines between the oppressed, impoverished majority and the few privileged landlords and politicians bought by global capital. This is taking place at a time when the Philippines is being re-colonized by the U.S. as the world's imperialist hegemon. Would Rizal want the country partitioned to greedy transnational corporations and their national elites in the current terrorist war against peoples of color in particular? These reflections hope to provoke a re-thinking of what it means to be a Filipino with the Philippines in permanent crisis, using Rizal as a point of departure, especially in the light of its citizens becoming an embattled diaspora--more than ten million OFWs as exploited domestics and contract workers around the planet, while the country's rich natural resources, cultures and traditions are wasted by foreign profiteers of globalizing capital supported by local comprador parasites currently headed by the corrupt Arroyo regime. "O where is the hope of the motherland...."?
On the rape of a Filipina committed by 6 US marines (tags)
We demand that the Philippine Government pursue all means necessary to immediately prosecute the six U.S. servicemen charged with raping a Filipino woman in Olongapo City. The Philippine government should do no less. The government owes it to all Filipino women. - Laban ng Masa - Pinay (Fight of the Masses/ Filipino Women's groups)
Self-educated at the Los Angeles Public Library in the Thirties, Carlos Bulosan, the militant Filipino writer and labor activist, died on September 11, 1956. His death anniversary last month provided the occasion for the Filipino community to celebrate his contribution to the revolutionary struggle of peoples everywhere for justice, dignity, and self-determination. Bulosan was part of the community of progressive Los Angeles-based intellectuals (Carey McWilliams, Sanora Babb, Louis Adamic, Ring Lardner Jr. and others) victimized by McCarthyism and fascist reaction. His example of resistance continues to inspire people of color everywhere.
E. SAN JUAN's NEW BOOK ON CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE GLOBAL CULTURAL FRONT (tags)
E. SAN JUAN's new book of essays, Working Through the Contradictions: From Cultural Theory to Critical Practice (Bucknell University Press), engages with, among other things, the problem of cultural revolution in the Philippines and the plight of the Filipino Overseas Contract Workers, the 10 million Filipino diaspora, around the world. Without revolutionary theory, as Lenin said, there cannot be any revolutionary praxis. This is a small contribution to the formation of that theory in practice.
The War Against the People: US Scholars Denounce Killings and Calls for a World-Wide Actio (tags)
Northampton, MA - The Critical Filipina and Filipino Studies Collective (CFFSC) condemns the growing spate of killings and human rights violations of political activists, peasant rights advocates and sympathizers, lawyers and priests in the Philippines. The Philippine military is targeting and murdering leftist activists and civilians under the pretense of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime’s “War on Terror.” The U.S.-backed Arroyo regime’s campaign of surveillance, abduction, torture, and execution is a campaign of terror against the Filipino people.
BAYAN USA CONDEMNS KILLINGS & EXPRESS CONCERN FOR INT'L HUMAN RIGHTS JUSTICE CAPULONG (tags)
Threats against the Philippines’ premier human rights lawyer linked to Hacienda Luisita massacre, derailment of peace talks and U.S. “war on terror”
Remember the US-Philippine War (tags)
Filipino Youth & Students for Philippine Self-Determination recognizes the 105th Anniversary of the Philippine-U.S. War
Each year, America sets aside one day to honor and cherish its veterans. Pity about the other 364.
Los Angeles City Council Recognizes "Historic" Filipinotown in LA (tags)
There is now an official Filipinotown. The article gives some insight into how these ethnic districts are created, and why they are important.
This compares the Philipines with Colombia (tags)
Subject: Fw: [studentsnowar] Fwd: Peasant Movement Likens U.S. Intervention in Philippines to "Plan Colombia"
Some History of UFW: From Book: LA CAUSA: The Migrant Farmworkers Story Larios (tags)
This is sold in some parts of our country as a childrens book. Really it is more like Labor Studies or Chicano Studies or U.S. History. 93 pages. Authors Dana Catharine de Ruiz and Richard Larios with Mr. Alex Haley, General Editor. Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers.
Picket at Philippine Consulate!!! (tags)
JOIN US IN OUR CALL TO END CORRUPTION! ESTRADA RESIGN OR BE OUSTED! END U.S.-SUPPORT FOR ESTRADA!