Press Release
February 19, 2009

Gordon calls on PVAO to clarify guidelines and
procedures in claiming FilVets' benefits

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today called on the Philippine Veterans' Affairs Office (PVAO) to make known immediately pertinent information on Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans' application for benefits from the United States (US).

Gordon made the call as the guidelines and procedures in claiming benefits for eligible and qualified Filipino veterans may create confusion among them and their families who are not even certain if they could avail of the monetary benefit worth $9,000 from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

"I urge the PVAO to act swiftly on any confusion that may be created regarding the guidelines and procedures in claiming the benefits. Those claimants who are outright considered as eligible should immediately be given what is due to them," he said.

"Our war veterans are all in their twilight years. Let us not make this hard for them. After all, they are more than deserving to receive the meager benefits which they have long been waiting for," he added.

Following US President Barack Obama's signing of the $787-billion economic stimulus bill, where provisions granting recognition and benefits to Filipino veterans are contained, veterans and/or their families started lining up at the PVAO office and the US embassy to avail of the compensation.

Gordon said the PVAO should make clear and simple the procedure in claiming the benefits and immediately start a massive and intensive information campaign to help the beneficiaries and protect them from unscrupulous individuals.

The senator earlier filed Senate Resolution (SR) 894 urging the government, particularly PVAO, to protect eligible and qualified Filipino veterans and their families from fixers who may take advantage of them in availing their benefits.

It also urges the PVAO to set up help desks and hotlines and launch a massive and intensive information campaign to effectively and efficiently inform and educate the veterans of the guidelines for obtaining the grant from the US.

"It is imperative that the relevant government agencies remain vigilant and steadfast in their commitment to public service, especially in the service of our veterans who have risked their lives so that we may now bask in the light of freedom and democracy," Gordon said.

Gordon authored Senate Bill 142 which was signed into law as RA 9499. It effectively amends RA 6948, or An Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their Dependents.

The law provides that Filipino veterans would continue receiving pension and benefits from the Philippine Government even if they start receiving the same benefits from the US government.

Gordon also lobbied in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives for the passage of an equity bill which could remove much of the stain and dishonor done by the US government to the dignity and true sacrifices of Filipino WWII veterans and of the Philippines as a nation.

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