Benefits for Filipino veterans pressed

By ELLSON A. QUISMORIO

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. has made a “strong representation” before US officials for assistance on behalf of Filipino veterans who were denied their benefits pursuant to the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila, citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., said Cuisia met with officials of the United States Army, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and US Congress to argue on behalf of Filipino veterans recently.

In his meeting with Army Deputy Undersecretary Thomas Hawley, Cuisia made strong representation for assistance to ensure that no veteran is unjustly denied the benefit due him.

Army officials vowed to look into particular compelling cases that the Embassy may wish to bring to their attention, as well as work closely with the DVA to ensure that no one is denied due benefits because of administrative error.

The 2009 FVEC law grants a one-time lump sum to Filipino veterans in the amount of $15,000 for US citizens and $9,000 to non-US citizens. Out of the 42,553 who have applied for the benefit, 18,499 were approved and 24,125 were denied. Of those, 3,630 filed notices of disagreement—the appeals process provided by DVA.

Read full story here at Manila Bulletin........