As expected, Filipino WWII veterans did not get what they want and what they deserve. S1315 was passed in Capitol Hill without the monthly pension package. Instead, H.R. 6897 will take its place as the bill that will give equity to the Filipino war veterans, or will it?
H.R. 6897 calls for a one-time, lump sum benefit of $15,000 to Filipino veterans who are American citizens and $9,000 to non-American Filipino veterans – a travesty. The Filipino war veterans were shortchanged. The United States just could not afford to give these brown veterans the same treatment as American-born veterans. It is not a surprise, but it is frustrating nonetheless.
What happened to Senator Akaka’s bill? Dramatic turnarounds like these are consistent with U.S. policy on Filipino veterans. As early as 1946, the United States reversed their original promise to newly enlisted Filipino volunteers who pledged their blood to the Americans. The Americans promised these young Filipino soldiers full benefits once the war ended; however, as soon as the war ended, when Japan waved the “Bandera Blanco,” Capitol Hill passed the Recissions Act of 1946, and broke the Filipinos’ hearts. The Filipinos must have felt like being stood up at their own wedding. They must have felt cheated. No wonder they are still begging their groom to fulfill the forgotten promise. Tragically, once again, they are not lucky and perhaps never will be.
These Filipino war vets are dying, one by one, and they do so with worry and pain in their hearts. Who wouldn’t? After their sacrifices on behalf of Uncle Sam, would they even get something to benefit their loved ones once they do pass on? The passed bill would not grant any benefits to deceased veterans. Only those who are still breathing will get the lump sum.
What can we do to get them the fair treatment that they deserve?
Staggering amounts of money and effort have been utilized to lobby the passing of S1315 with the compensation package, yet it did not make it in spite of [these efforts]. What we can aim for is a change of heart by every lawmaker in Washington.
We can pray to the heavens so these American politicians could look at the fading Filipino soldiers, who fought under the stars and stripes, and see them in a more compassionate light.
