Statement of Ambassador Willy C. Gaa on the Passage of Senate Veterans Bill
After over sixty years,
the Filipino nation is overjoyed that the U.S. Senate has finally voted
to pass a veterans bill which corrects the injustice done to Filipino
WWII veterans.
Along with the recognition of their bravery and their invaluable
contribution in the fight for freedom and democracy in World War II,
Filipino veterans living in the United States will receive benefits in
the same amount as that of their U.S. counterparts, whereas their
comrades living in the Philippines will be receiving monthly pensions of
US$375 for veterans with spouse; US$300 for single veterans; and US$200
for surviving spouses, reflecting the variance in the cost of living in
both countries.
This is indeed a momentous occasion and a historical moment, a
vindication for our long suffering veterans whose tremendous patience
and fortitude has finally been duly rewarded. I wish to express my
utmost appreciation for their faith and trust in our efforts to aid them
in their cause.
I wish to thank the Filipino American community for coming together on
this issue. Their support and the advocacy have been a key component in
the effort to correct this injustice to our veterans.
Finally, on behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people,
I would like to thank our friends and supporters in the U.S. Senate for
once again demonstrating America’s commitment to the ideals of justice
and equality.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration are fully
committed to the cause of our veterans, and we acknowledge the
invaluable support and assistance provided by Senator Richard Gordon and
Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela, whose efforts led to the passage of a law
providing for continued Philippine government support to our veterans
even in the event that they should receive benefits from the U.S.
government. The recent visit to Washington of members of the House
Veterans Committee, led by Chairman Antonio Diaz, Vice-Chairman Rozzano
Rufino Biazon and Rep. Roman Romulo, who were joined by PVAO
Administrator Ernesto Carolina and VFP Vice President Manuel Pamaran,
was also instrumental in our discussions with U.S. legislators on the
issue.
With this development, we look forward to a similar development to
happen at the U.S. House of Representatives, as we move closer to
finally achieving justice and equity for the Filipino WWII Veterans. .