Filvets' lump sum benefits only 'a small token' of appreciation - US lawmaker

CHICAGO, Illinois – Hawaii Senator Daniel K. Inouye (Dem.) concedes that the payment he sponsored for the grant of Filipino World War II veterans only "represents a small token" of appreciation to the surviving former soldiers. In a message addressed to Skokie, Illinois Commissioner Jerry Clarito, executive director of the Illinois Veterans Equity Center, Inouye, said the $198-million Filvets' benefits "will not compensate the many thousands who volunteered and who were killed in the fight against Japan." "Although, it took close to 20 years, in my view, this payment represents a small token to the remaining 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans, and expresses our appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions these veterans made in defense of our nation," the US lawmaker said. The message by the World War II hero was also publicly read by Commissioner Clarito, who invited him to grace the "Day of Giving Thanks (Araw ng Pasasalamat)" celebration by the Filipino-American war veterans in Chicago area held last March 28 at the Rizal Center at the north side of Chicago, Illinois. The Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund was inserted in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) that authorizes a one-time $15,000 payment for veterans, who are US Citizens, and $9,000 lump sum payment of $9,000 veterans, to Filipino citizens. Inouye is the US Senate appropriation committee chairman. "They have served with honor, and they deserve nothing less than honor from the government of the United States," according to the senior senator, who was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. Congresswoman Janice 'Jan' Schakowsky (Dem.-9th IL), who had been supporting the Filipino veterans' claims since 1999 said many of the former soldiers may not enjoy the benefits as their numbers are dwindling. "While I share your excitement to have finally succeeded, I know we also share sadness about the many brave men who did not live to see this victory. Of the nearly 300,000 Filipinos who fought for the United States over 60 years ago, less than 18,000 will see these benefits and recognition," she said. The luncheon program co-emceed byClarito and Carmen Estacio was welcomed with remarks by Mr. Rene Abella, president of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago; and led with an invocation by Rev. Telesforo Yague, a member of American Legion, Fil-Am Post 509. Also delivering messages of thanksgiving and victory were Philippine Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera, Illinois State Secretary Jesse White, Florencio Villegas, candidate for Bloomingdale Township Trustee, and Commander E. Rodriguez of the 6th District Council, American Legion. Delivering the “Voice from Advocacy" was Atty. Ben Lumicao; for Voice from the Media, Alpha Nicolasin of The Filipino American Community Builder and program TV host of Hataw Pinoy Chicago (WOCH-KBC Channel 41), Voice of Coalition, Tuyet Lee of the Asian American Institute, and the thanksgiving from the veterans by Bataan veteran and survivor, Arcadio V. Calabas, Commander, American Legion, Fil-Am Post 509, and president of Illinois Veterans Equity Center. Aida Ramirez led in singing of both the Philippines and U.S. national anthems.[How to claim Filvet benefits? Click here] The thanksgiving ceremonies come close to the 67th Commemoration of Bataan Day 2009 (Araw ng Kagitingan) on Monday, April 6, in Chicago, where veterans will lay wreath at 9 a.m. at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge at the corner of State St. and Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago. - GMANews.TV