The Philippine Online Chronicles

An American congresswoman has filed a new bill seeking to give Filipino World War II veterans the full benefits granted to American war veterans.

The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011, which California Congresswoman Jackie Speier introduced to the US Congress last week, pushes for Filipino veterans living both in the Philippines and abroad to receive a USD1,500 monthly pension, medical care and burial services from the American government. The benefits will also apply to veterans’ widows, she added.

“It is an effort to rid ourselves of our shameful history as it relates to the Filipinos who served with our Armed Forces during World War II on America's side [and] who were for the most part considered to be legal American nationals," she said.

Filipino veterans have long clamored for the benefits promised to them by the American government back in World War II, when Filipinos fought side-by-side with Americans against the Japanese. The Rescission Act of 1946, however, denied around 250,000 Filipino fighters those benefits.

“I’m thrilled that they’re all here and it speaks volumes about their love for their country,” said Speier, who was met by a group of dozens of veterans and their families. “They came out even though they have been jilted by the American government and have been made a promise that’s been broken. We have to rectify that.”

In 2009, the United States offered Filipino veterans the Veterans Equity Compensation Fund which provided them with a lump sum of USD9,000-USD15,000. However, veterans and their widows filed a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for denying that payment to many claimants.

"We were promised by General [Douglas] MacArthur that we would be treated correctly," said 93-year-old veteran Felino Punsalan, referring to the American war commander.

“The pensions are one thing that I’ve been wishing for. I still hope that one day they will consider us as equals,” added veteran Godofredo Gerardo.

“Without the veterans, there is no democracy. Without democracy, there is no freedom — freedom that you and I are enjoying today,” said veteran Lucio Dimaano.

Ago Pedalizo, president of the Justice for Filipino-American Veterans pointed out, “Upon the enactment of the bill, they will be getting all the benefits and recognition that they deserve.”

“This new bill essentially repeals the Rescission Act of 1946. At the same time, it amends the Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to make sure that the Filipino veterans get their lump sum claims before it’s too late,” added Arnedo Valera, a lawyer for the veterans.

Pedalizo added that there are currently around 50,000 surviving Filipino veterans, with 40,000 living in the Philippines and another 10,000 in the US. However, around ten of them die every day.

"It is important for us to do this with great speed,” said Speier.

The bill will be heard in the US Congress in the next two months.