House thanks US Congress for helping Pinoy veterans

The House of Representatives passed a resolution thanking the United States Congress for helping Filipino veterans claim compensation from the US government.

In Resolution 1992, the House expressed its appreciation to the US Congress for including in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act a directive to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to consider all forms of evidence of service.

The committee on veterans’ affairs and welfare chaired by Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman endorsed the resolution for plenary adoption.

Under the American Recovery and Re- investment Act of 2009, Filipino veterans of World War II named in the Missouri List would be given a one-time, lump sum remuneration known as equity compensation through the DVA.

Many Filipino war veterans applied for compensation but their applications were denied because they were not in the Missouri List.

“In the processing of equity compensation, the DVA validated all applications using the Missouri List, resulting in the denial of the claims of legitimate Filipino World War II veterans,” Roman said.

“Efforts were initiated to convince the DVA and the US Congress to consider other supporting documents to prove eligibility of Filipino war veterans in the processing of the equity compensation,” she added.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) said the US Congress appropriated $265 million to compensate Filipino veterans.

Of the 42,755 applications processed, 18,951 applications were approved, while 23,804 were denied.

The PVAO has advised those whose claims were denied to file an appeal with the DVA and support it with evidence that they are legitimate war veterans.

Veterans who are US citizens are given $15,000, while those who are not American citizens get $9,000.