Gordon wants vets to get both US, RP pensions

February 23, 2008  --  Got something to say?
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Sen. Richard GordonMANILA Even before the US Congress passed the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill, Sen. Richard J. Gordon has filed a bill to permit Filipino Second World War II veterans to receive pension benefits from both the Philippines and US governments.

This bill would throw a monkey wrench on the equity bill pending in the US Congress. Besides objecting to the grant of hefty pensions for Filipino veterans, Republican senators have objected to letting the veterans continue to receive pensions from the Philippine government.

In filing Senate Bill 142 (SB142), Gordon said the veterans law will be amended to allow Filipino vets currently residing in the country to receive their pensions from both Manila and Washington. The bill will benefit more than half of the estimated 16,000 surviving World War II veterans or their surviving spouses residing in the Philippines.

Having passed on third reading, the proposed bill will amend Section 10 of Republic Act No. 6948 also known as An Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and Their Dependents.
The current law forfeits pension given by the Philippine government to Filipino vets once a similar benefit is granted by the US. This law was passed precisely to remove objections from Republicans in the US Congress who did not want Filipino veterans to double dip.

A press release of Gordon said his bill will also set Filipino vets allowances at P5,000 per month helping them live more comfortably during the twilight of their years.

The press release continued: The imminent enactment of Gordons proposed bill comes at the right time, especially since Washington may soon be inclined to pass similar legislation intended to benefit veterans.
Manilas special envoy on veterans affairs expressed optimism that the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill will finally become law.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana said that the proposed legislation-giving vets in the Philippines some $200 to $375 monthly-will be endorsed in Capitol Hill soon.

Senator Gordon expressed the same sentiments upon hearing this piece of good news.
Finally, our World War II veterans are one step closer to getting the recognition they deserve and will be allowed to live the remainder of their years with a greater sense of dignity,” Gordon said. Perhaps there is nothing more painful than the sight of one who has offered his life to defend his country, wasted away by decades of neglect. Senate Bill 142 will ensure that our World War II veterans finally receive what is due them-though sadly, this will not restore what they sacrificed in our countrys fight for freedom.”

Last year Gordon met with US Senators Daniel Inouye and Patrick Leahy and Representatives Bob Filner and Dana Rohrabacher, all advocates of the equity bill in the US Congress, and they assured Gordon the bill would be enacted.

In his meeting with American senators Gordon called on the Filipino American community in the US to exhibit political strength and make the community presence felt by their respective U.S. legislators on the issue regarding the struggle of Filipino World War II Veterans to achieve equity for their heroism as they fought side by side with American troops in World War II for freedom and democracy.

Gordon likewise stressed to Rep. Filner that it is time for America to act decisively on this issue as this is not merely an issue of cost and money, but it is more an issue that delves into matters of honor and values among longstanding allies and friends. As a beacon for justice and equality, America must take this opportunity to live up to the standards and values it has set for itself.”

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Posted by News Team | Filed Under Philippine News 

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