US solon files bill to improve plight of Filipino WWII vets

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV) welcomed the introduction of Senate Bill S. 1042, or the "Filipino Veterans’ Benefit Improvements Act of 2001, which seeks to improve the plight of Filipinos who fought under the American flag during World War II.

Senator Daniel Inouye from Hawaii said the bill would allow the United States "to right a wrong committed decades ago by providing Filipino veterans who served in the US Armed Forces their hard earned, due compensation."

Inouye announced the filing of the bill during the celebration of Flag Day recently and the anniversary of the founding of the US Army.

"Heroes should never be forgotten or ignored. Many Filipinos who have fought so hard for us have been honored with American citizenship, but let us now work to repay all these brave men for their sacrifices," he said.

Inouye was wounded in action during World War II in Europe and received a Congressional Medal of Honor last year.

If Senate Bill S. 1042 is made into law, eligible veterans of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, recognized guerrillas and New Philippine Scouts would receive medical care and disability pension benefits from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

"The Senate Bill complements our Equity bill H.R. 491 in the House of Representatives and clarifies the benefits that Filipino American veterans and their widows can expect in the US and in the Philippines. It also improves the chances of the quick passage of the Equity Bill," said Patrick Ganio Sr., an 80-year-old veteran who fought in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942.

Ganio is a Purple Heart recipient and president of ACFV, the Washington-based advocacy organization with 4,000 members in the US.