InfoAnda - Filipino World War II veterans seek US benefits

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

New Peru poll shows Humala, Fujimori nearly tied | | 5 May 2011
Thai protesters vow final showdown with government | 23 November 2008
Visitors attack Taiwan 'haunted house' actors | 10 August 2010

NZ dollar falls after weak retail data | 14 December 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Filipino World War II veterans seek US benefits

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Filipino World War II veterans seek US benefits By OLIVER TEVES,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 58 minutes ago MANILA, Philippines - It is the last Tuesday of the month, time for 88-year-old Dioscoro Valenzuela to lead a group of fellow World War II veterans on their regular trip to the clinic. The free checkups and a monthly pension of 5,000 pesos ($102) from the Philippine government are about all they get for fighting alongside American forces from 1941 to 1945, when their country was a U.S. colony. And that strikes them as unfair. The Filipinos have long sought U.S. veterans benefits, citing a promise to them by wartime U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. U.S. veterans get as much as $11,000 to $22,000 annually, depending on their disability status and number of dependents. But a 1946 U.S. law declared that the more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers who fought under the American flag were not in active service for the U.S. military during the war, denying them any benefits. Earlier this year, both houses of the U.S. Congress passed bills to provide some benefits, but the bills differ. And with Congress preoccupied with other issues, it is unclear if the two houses will agree on a single bill to present to the president for approval. "I am pessimistic," said Valenzuela, post commander in his hometown of Malolos for the Veterans Federation of the Philippines. The U.S. "is engaged in all kinds of war. ... It is also in a difficult economic situation... It hurts me that America treats Filipino veterans differently." Time is running out for the aging veterans. Of the 37 that Valenzuela led to the Veterans Center in the Manila suburb of Taguig last month, 30 were widows. Equal treatment should be a right for all who served, said Remedios Sulit, an 84-year-old widow, herself a former spy and courier for guerrillas who continued the fight after the Japanese took control of the Philippines in 1942. "If they give it to us, thanks," she said. "But what we are after is our right, and it was a promise they should keep." The U.S. estimates about 18,000 are still alive, though the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office puts the number at more than 36,000, plus nearly 80,000 surviving spouses. His hair and thin mustache white, Valenzuela remains active and sprightly. He often travels alone to Manila to work on veterans issues, commuting the 20 miles (31 kilometers) on buses and the colorful open-sided minibuses known as jeepneys. Like most elderly Filipinos, he relies on a large extended family. He lives in an old concrete and wood house with the families of a married son, a married daughter and another son who is a widower, like him. His monthly pension mostly goes to hypertension medicine and food supplements, he said. He receives visitors in his home office, set off from the rest of the ground floor by a book shelf, and offers them chilled red wine. To help keep the electricity bill down, he works on a portable typewriter in the sunlight on the patio. He likes to tell war stories while showing some of his memorabilia, including a laminated front page of the Dec. 7, 1941, Honolulu Star Bulletin's extra edition with a banner headline on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. military, which provided security for the Philippines, had been mobilizing for months. Valenzuela and his college buddies were called to duty as part of the Commonwealth Army, which was made up of U.S.-trained Filipino soldiers who became part of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East. He was assigned to a machine gun company and deployed behind the front lines with the reserve forces. In April 1942, he was among American and Filipino soldiers who surrendered to the Japanese in Bataan province. "We were crying. It was surrender," he said. He escaped on the first night of the infamous Bataan Death March, a brutal 65-mile (105-kilometer), weeklong trek during one of the country's hottest months. Of the 70,000 who started, 16,000 died. Valenzuela and two other Filipino soldiers sneaked away under cover of darkness. After evading the Japanese for about a week, they split up. Valenzuela mixed with civilians and found his way back to Malolos. In early 1943, he joined the guerrillas _ as did two of his seven brothers _ as part of a medical team. Some Filipino veterans do receive U.S. benefits, because they became U.S. citizens under a 1990 law granting citizenship to selected veterans. Martin Tengco, 86, lived in the United States for eight years and still receives $1,300 a month in compensation for disabilities from his time as a prisoner of war, as well as a $400 monthly old-age benefit. Tengco, also from Malolos, recalled how the Japanese arranged the prisoners in columns, four abreast. "If someone steps out of the line, he is killed," Tengco said. "The man beside me was bayoneted. His body was pulled to the side of the road and bayoneted again and also shot to make sure he was dead." Before the march started, local residents gave them food and water, but they soon stopped because Japanese soldiers began shooting civilians offering help, he said. "We were given leftover water for the Japanese cavalry, but only a couple of gulps and that's it," Tengco said. After a month in a prison camp and contracting malaria, he was released. Three months later, he too joined the guerrillas. The Senate bill, which passed 96-1 in April, would give $4,500 a year to married Filipino veterans and $3,600 to unmarried ones. The House of Representatives bill would give one-time payments of $15,000 to those who are American citizens and $9,000 to non-citizens. Jesus Terry Adevoso, the assistant secretary for veterans affairs in the Philippines, said the Senate version is preferable, because it recognizes the veterans as part of the U.S. forces. Also, the money can go to widows, whereas the House version would pay only surviving veterans. The 1946 law "made our country and our veterans mercenaries," said Adevoso, the son of famed World War II guerrilla leader Col. Terry Adevoso. "As far as the Philippine government is concerned, the important thing is the retrieval of their honor and dignity and the retrieval of the dignity of the Philippines as a nation." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific China dismisses UN report on tortureAFP - 11 minutes ago Strong quake, aftershocks hit Indonesia's Sumatra: seismologistsAFP - 34 minutes ago Bush bids farewell with impassioned 'freedom' pleaAFP - 42 minutes ago Tokyo police arrest man who says he killed former govt officialAFP - 43 minutes ago Japan, Russia agree on 'concrete' steps to end territorial rowAFP - 51 minutes ago Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Merkel warns 2009 will be 'year of bad news' for economy New strain of deadly Ebola virus discovered Wall Street plunges again as panic spreads Over 200 narwhal trapped in Canadian ice Aussie mayor wins sexist 'award' for inviting ugly women to town View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Saturday, 22 November 2008
Roadside bomb kills 2 civilians in Afghanistan
Sri Lanka: Troops capture rebel training camp
US raid kills Iraqi blamed in 2004 reservist death
Myanmar leader calls on country to back 'road map' to democracy
Wall Street eyes holiday season with little to cheer
Suspected US missile strike kills 5 in NW Pakistan
Iraq's parliament resumes debate on US pact
Russia threatens to cut off gas to Ukraine: report
Annan, Carter barred from Zimbabwe | International |
Iraq's prime minister, president in public quarrel
German HSH Nordbank given 30 bln euros in state guarantees
Islamists on trail of Somali pirates | International |
Over 200 narwhal trapped in Canadian ice
Tibetans decide to stick to Dalai Lama's Middle Way | International |
All options on the table for GM: report
N.Korea renews criticism on Seoul after U.N. measure | International |
Lame-duck US, Israeli leaders to meet a final time
2 anti-election protesters shot in Indian Kashmir
Grenade wounds 8 Thai protesters ahead of rally | International |
Reports: Nokia to start mobile service in Japan
Car showrooms see crowds, while dealers wary of possible cut in COE supply
Reporter for U.N. radio shot dead in eastern Congo | International |
Japan's Mitsubishi Motors to join downsizing trend: reports
Qantas takeoff aborted as damaged wing spotted
Reports: Nomura Holdings may hunt for new capital
China Tibet policymaker probed for state secret leak | International |
Myanmar calls for 'duty' to democracy after jailing 150 protesters
Nokia to launch own mobile phone service in Japan: report
American Chamber of Commerce organises volunteer event in S’pore
Two new infocomm learning centres for seniors opened
New Zealand stun Aussies in Rugby League World Cup final
Tibetan exiles stick with moderate China policy
Nepal's Buddha boy returns to jungle to meditate
200 Philippine villagers evacuated after landslide
Hollywood actors guild to seek strike
Suspected US missile strike kills 5 in NW Pakistan
New Zealand beat Australia in Rugby League World Cup final
Tibetan exiles agree to follow 'middle way'
Panda in China zoo bites student who wanted a hug
Healthcare costs not a problem during recession with S$42b in reserves
Reactions range from "timely" to "cautious" to slew of govt’s help measures
More 2 and 3 room HDB flats to be built in the next few months
Roadside bomb kills 2 civilians in Afghanistan
Sole Myanmar protester demands activists' release
Analogue cameras prove to be a hit among young S’poreans
Several thousand rally in support of Taiwan's Chen
Man tells Japanese police he stabbed bureaucrat
MTV launches African music awards
Bomb kills French soldier in Afghanistan
Thai military concerned protest could turn violent
Bush: Crisis recovery 'is going to take time'
Indonesia hit by strong quake
Terror plot mastermind killed by US missile in Pakistan
Grenade attack on Afghan wedding party kills 8
Bangladesh landmark polls delayed: official
Man tells Japanese police he stabbed bureaucrat
Strong quake hits Indonesia's Sumatra: USGS
Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo meets Latin American heads in Peru
Downturn will not affect planning of Singapore’s policies on ageing
Jetliner plot suspect believed killed in Pakistan
Economy, not rights, rules the new China-US world
Blast kills French soldier in Afghanistan
Reactions to govt’s help measures range from "timely" to "cautious"
Waiting finally over for new Guns N' Roses opus
Electric cars and electronic trees at LA Auto Show
NY straphangers left twisting as city budget tanks
Hindu nationalists protest documentary at Goa film festival
More 2— and 3—room HDB flats to be built in the next few months
Indonesia hit by strong quake; no tsunami risk
Australia's Malouf wins new literary prize
Tibetan exiles stick with 'middle way' _ for now
Aussie F1 driver Webber breaks leg in cycling accident
Bush staunchly defends free trade in farewell
Malaysian Islamic body bans yoga for Muslims
Indonesia hit by strong quake; no tsunami
Car showrooms see crowds; dealers wary of possible COE quota cut
Man who says he killed ex-Japan official arrested
Man tells Japanese police he stabbed bureaucrat
All Blacks excise rugby Cardiff demons with victory over Wales
Qatar art museum aims to show Islam's true values
MTV holds its first African music awards
Hollywood actors guild asks members for strike authorization
Chilean film wins top award at Iberian-American film fest
'No concrete plan' for Google server farm in Austria: spokeswoman
Skrela rugby nightmare as Australia beat Franch
Israelis and Palestinians duel across Gaza border
Iraqi lawmakers vote on US security pact Wednesday
Spain's opposition slams Repsol sale to Russia's Lukoil
Asian, American leaders back free trade to ease crisis | International |
Iraq: Iranian detained by US has been released
Skrela nightmare hands Wallabies victory
Iran hangs man convicted of spying for Israel
Short-timer Bush has last meet with Russian leader | International |
Endeavour astronauts work on repairs on third spacewalk
Israel: Settlers to be evicted from Hebron house
45 years on, JFK killing haunts Secret Service protecting Obama
Leaders work on timing of N.Korea nuclear talks | International |
Iran raises profile in Latin America
Extra troops should go to border: Afghan FM
Seven die in Guatemala prison riot | International |
Dozens killed in new Afghan violence
Jetliner plot suspect believed killed in Pakistan
Afghan mine blast kills French soldier, wounds another: official
Germany declines comment on Kosovo spy report | International |
Indonesia bans Bank Century executives from traveling abroad
Tibetan exiles stick with 'middle way' _ for now
Defiant Congo rebels stage rally in captured town | International |
Strong quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra | International |
Vote on US-Iraq pact set for Wednesday after stormy debate
Bush hails Georgia's 'Rose Revolution'
Iraq to vote Wednesday on US forces pact
Bush blasts 'illegitimate' Mugabe
US teenager in apparent online suicide
Vatican forgives John Lennon for Jesus quip | Entertainment |
Actors union to seek strike authorization | Entertainment |
Hollywood actors guild asks members for strike authorization
Filipino World War II veterans seek US benefits
Thai military concerned protest could turn violent
Man who says he killed ex-Japan official arrested
Australia, Indonesia create disaster reduction centre
Strong quake, aftershocks hit Indonesia's Sumatra: seismologists
Bush bids farewell with impassioned 'freedom' plea
Japan, Russia vow 'concrete' steps to end island row
Tokyo police arrest man who says he killed former govt official
Tight security as second stage Kashmir elections begin
5 SKorean solders injured in grenade explosion
Tenor's Met Opera feat: 2 major roles in a day
China dismisses UN report on torture
Dalai Lama says Tibetan community facing 'great danger'
Financial crisis helps define Rudd in first year as Australian PM
Isle of Man resists growing pressure on tax havens
China rejects UN report on torture as 'untrue'
Asian, American leaders back free trade to ease crisis | International |
Slump in Europe spreads wider
"AWESOME!": YouTube goes live
Venezuelans vote in local election test for Chavez | International |
SKorean scientists claim to develop 'true blue' for OLED screen
Piracy pushes ship owners to opt for Cape of Good Hope
Japan scientists eye made-to-order bones
South Korea stands firm as tension rises with North | International |
Pakistan revives Afghan camps for its own people | International |
Thai protesters begin final battle against government | International |
British lawmakers demand clarity over terror suspect death
Seven die in Guatemala prison riot | International |
Obama's cabinet -- change or Clinton era retreads?
China protests against prejudiced U.N. torture report | International |
Afghan president: Obama promises to boost aid
Dismantling US military presence in Iraq looms as big task
Japan seeks China's contribution to IMF
Dalai Lama reaffirms middle way stance on China | International |
Australian rescuers free 11 whales after mass stranding
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,203
Taiwan's 2009 per capita GNP to drop below 18,000 US dollars: report
Thai protesters vow final showdown with government
Japan ready to take more stimulus measures: minister
Dalai Lama warns of 'great danger' facing Tibetans
S.Korea officials say still have policy options
Philippine floods leave at least 6 dead
Curtain call for Bush as trade summit wraps
Tense Thailand prepares for parliament march
Property investors look East for hope amid economic crisis
Bangladesh to announce new polls date Sunday
S.Korea to meet investors on won bonds, economy
SKorea's central bank to inject money into bond fund: report
Vatican forgives John Lennon for Jesus quip | Entertainment |
Morocco film festival award goes to Russia's "Wild Field"
Is it 'Bye bye, Blackberry' for Obama?
Australians try to save 11 stranded whales
Karzai: Obama promises to fight terror in 'region'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01