RP to secure add’l benefits for WWII vets
Philippine officials will endeavor to secure additional benefits for Filipino World War II veterans.
During yesterday’s commemoration of the 64th Anniversary of the Victory (Liberation) Day in Panay, Guimaras, and Romblon at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine here in Jaro, Presidential Assistant for Veterans Affairs Jerry Terry Adevoso told the veterans present yesterday that section 1002 of the US economic stimulus package grants Filipino WWII veterans the status of being American military veterans.
With this recognition as American military veterans, Adevoso said that Filipino WWII veterans are now entitled to the benefits given to American military veterans but were not included in the economic stimulus package.
The 64th Anniversary is very significant because of the important developments, he said.
The additional benefits would be aside from the $15,000 or $9,000 cash to be given to veterans in the US and the Philippines, respectively.
The main issue here is not the $9,000 or the $15,000 cash gift, but that your struggle to gain recognition for your services in the US military has been fulfilled, he told the veterans.
We will be testing the waters in Washington, he declared. By July, we will be lobbying for additional benefits for our veterans.
He said that different lobby groups in the US have been pushing for additional benefits for Filipino war veterans.
Adevoso said that they will push for benefits for the widows and orphans of veterans; official medical care from the US for military veterans; the revival of the Family Reunification Bill; and full Social Security coverage for those in the Philippines.
Presently, Filipino veterans who resided in the US lose 25% of their social security coverage upon their return to the Philippines, Adevoso explained.
Under the Family Reunification Bill, Filipino veterans who are already in the US can petition their relatives here in the Philippines.
Jesting with the veterans, Adevoso said, “More benefits are coming, so don’t die yet.”