February 18, 2009, markes the sixty-third year since the enactment of the Rescission Act, which deemed the service of Filipino World War II veterans as inactive, stripping them of all the benefits that were promised for their service under the United States flag.
For those that are not aware, House of Representatives Bill 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes provisions of provide lump sums payments to Filipino World War II veterans. The amounts will be $15,000 for American citizen veterans and $9,000 for Philippine citizens.
While this may appear to be a good deal, this is not full equity. Even with this bill, no bill has passed in Congress that fully honors and respects Filipino World War II veterans for active service. Their service and sacrifice is worth much more than a few thousand dollars.
$15,000 is equal to just under 18 months worth of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments at $850 per month. Veteranos have been waiting 63 years for their appropriate military pensions and recognition. There is also a release provision embedded within the bill which waives Filipino World War II Veterans from applying for further redress.
This makes a mockery of justice, of equality, and of the ideals that these United States of America stand for.
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