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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.?
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.?
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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!
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 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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Long Beach Colation Sues City of Long Beach (tags)
On Friday, August 21, the Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community filed suit against the City of Long Beach claiming the development of the 125-room Hotel Sierra at the Pike needs a new Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to assess the possible impact the hotel development will have on the environment and local communities. “A few weeks ago, we spoke to City Council about this project with regard to the environmental, social, and economic impacts on our community. In response, a majority of the Council voted to postpone the vote to provide an opportunity for the community to voice its support for responsible development,” said CSULB Sociology Professor Gary Hytrek and Coalition Steering Committee Member.
Filipino Veterans rejects GMA loyalist Corpus as OVA Chief (tags)
Different veterans groups in the United Stares protests the appointment of retired general Victor Corpus to the RP Embassy by the Philippine president Gloria M. Arroyo. Present Office of the Veterans Affairs (OVA) person is Ret. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana is being replaced by a known GMA psychopath, retired ISAFP general Victor Corpus. Corpus is a know loyal GMA supporter.
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.
JFAV and Critics Laud Withdrawal of SF Presidio Art Museum Proposal (tags)
Critics of a highly controversial proposal by Gap Founder Donald Fisher to build a contemporary art museum on the Presidio of San Francisco's historic (c. 1776) Main Post lauded Fisher's withdrawal of his plan today. For the Justice for Filipino Veterans (JFAV) based in San Francisco, although the Presidio was the staging ground for the American colonization of the Philippines, it is still proper that it should be preserved historically and not be a private museum. It is a historical landmark for the advance of US imperialism and thus be shown to succeeding generations of Americans and Filipino Americans. Environmental, historical, neighborhood and military groups joined with thousands of citizens and San Francisco City agencies to fight the art museum being built in this national park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Serious questions remain regarding the Presidio Trust's proposals to build new structures (a hotel/restaurant and movie multiplex) in the park, a National Historic Landmark. The Trust is a federal agency that manages the Presidio's real estate within the constraints of various Federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Presidio Trust Act.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THOUSANDS COMMEMORATE VETERANS DAY NATIONWIDE (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the VETERANS DAY nationwide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and other places - 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.
THOUSANDS COMMEMORATE VETERANS DAY NATIONWIDE (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the VETERANS DAY nationwide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and other places - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.”
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.
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.
UHW-West Rally Against Moves to Divide The Union (tags)
" They Say Divide US, We Say Unite Us" More than 6,000 health care workers from the United Health Workers (UHW) -West and their community supportrs all-over the west coast rallied infront of the Marriot Manhattan Beach Hotel last Monday, July 14, 2008 fro 6:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon.
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.
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.
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.
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 ____)
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.
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."
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..
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:
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
“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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.