The flames of hope for ailing Filipino-American veterans have been kept alive when the House Veterans Affairs Committee voted to approve H.R. 760, the bill that would give pension and benefits to these soldiers who fought for freedom during World War ll.
The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE) and the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV) hailed the approval of the legislation movement and urged members of Congress to find funding to ensure full equity.
It has been 61 years since Filipino World War II who served under the American flag were stripped of their U.S. veterans’ status [despite the fact that] these soldiers valiantly and brilliantly fought in the war. It was a big blow on these old soldiers’ dignity as they couldn’t get pension and benefits from the U.S. government. The historic action of Congress last Tuesday, however, would move closer to ending the injustice to these great heroes.
“We thank Congressman Bob Filner ( -) and all the members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee who voted to pass H.R. 760 on to the House floor. The next step is a full vote in the Senate on S. 1315 and a full vote in the House on H.R. 760, “ said Alma Quintans Kern, national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).
H.R 760, as approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee, contains key provisions that directly impact Filipino World War II veterans. House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Bob Filner highlighted its major provisions:
[It] restores full veterans’ status to Filipino veterans of World War II, whose privileges have been taken away by the Rescission Acts of 1946.
{It] permits Filipino veterans of World War II who suffer from disabilities, incurred or aggravated by military service with service-connection, to receive compensation at the same rate as other U.S. veterans, regardless of where they live. (Amendment from Senate bill)
[It] permits those eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to receive those benefits at the same rate as other U.S. veterans, regardless of where they live. (Amendment from Senate bill)
[It] permits Filipino veterans of World War II and survivors, residing in the United States, to receive pensions and death pensions paid at the same rate and under the same conditions as U.S. veterans. (Same as Senate bill)
[It] permits non-U.S. citizen Filipino veterans of World War II residing outside of the United States to be eligible for a pension and death pension paid at a flat rate. (Amendment from Senate bill) $8,400 if married, $6,000 if not married, $3,600 for low-income widows.
If an individual is receiving Social Security overseas, he or she is not eligible for the above-mentioned program.
Additionally, an individual may not receive benefits under this chapter if receipt of such benefits would reduce monetary benefits from a foreign government.
“The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity is pleased that the bill has been approved by both the House and Senate Committees. We are thankful to the champions of this bill who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Filipino veterans are treated as equals to the U.S. veterans with whom they had served, “ said Lillian Galedo, NAFVE co-chair.
A few years back, President Bush approved granting health benefits for Filipino-American veterans at veterans hospitals, allowing these graying and sick veterans to be treated for their illnesses.
“We are thankful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman Michael Honda (D-CA), and we hope the members of both the House and Senate address the final inequity, by treating all Filipino World War II veterans equally, and passing full equity during this 110th Congress,” said Lourdes Tancinco, NAFVE steering committee member. Veterans’ advocates hope that a full equity bill would be a reality by August.
