US lawmaker files bill for full benefits for Filipino WWII veterans
Rep. Jackie Speier of California filed a bill that would give full US benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II. INQUIRER FILE
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) introduced H.R. 3865, the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2017 on Thursday, September 28.
During World War II, about 250,000 Filipinos volunteered to fight alongside U.S. troops. As citizens of a commonwealth of the United States before and during the war, Filipinos were legally American nationals.
With American nationality, they were promised all the benefits afforded to those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. But in 1946, Congress stripped many Filipinos of the benefits that had been promised by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Of veterans of the 66 countries allied with the United States during World War II, only Filipinos were denied benefits.
Speier’s legislation eliminates the distinction between the Regular or “Old” Philippine Scouts and the other three groups of veterans—Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerrilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts. Widows and children of Filipino veterans would be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation just like any other veteran.
Filipino veterans of WWII at a gathering in Washington, DC. INQUIRER FILE
“This bill rights a shameful wrong created when Congress rescinded a promise to Filipino veterans of World War II over 70 years ago,” Speier said. “I will not rest until these heroes, and their families, receive the benefits they need and deserve. If America won’t live up to its honor and duty to our allies and friends we may find ourselves alone in our next hour of need.”
The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contained a provision that provided a lump sum payment of $15,000 for Filipino veterans who are now U.S. citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens. But there have been problems with the implementation of this payment program. To be eligible, a veteran has to be on the so-called “Missouri List,” an Army roster of eligible veterans.
The Missouri List is incomplete. A 1973 fire destroyed 80 percent of the records for Army personnel from 1912 to 1960. As a result, over 17,000 Filipino veterans have had their claims denied. The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act directs the VA to take into account alternative military documentation to determine eligibility.
“The Recovery Act payments were a start, but our nation must bestow the full status it promised these veterans in wartime,” Speier concluded. “Their average age is 90. Fewer than 15,000 are still alive today, and they are dying at a rate of over 10 a day. For these veterans and their loved ones the time to act is now.”
