GMA efforts beneficial for war veterans, VFP reminds critics

In the light of recent criticism from some sectors, including the opposition and reportedly even from some members of the CBCP, about the timeliness, expense and effectiveness of the recent USA trip of President Arroyo, the Veterans Freedom Party reminded all sectors that as far as Philippine national honor and dignity and the welfare of surviving World War II veterans and members of their families are concerned, the President’s trip was deeply needed and had far-reaching favorable effects.

Atty. Eduardo P. Pilapil, chairman of the Veterans Freedom Party and a former Camarines Sur and Veterans Party-List Congressman, Postmaster General and Secretary of Tourism, reminded the critics of the President that if just for the attainable benefits for Filipino World War II veterans alone, her USA trip would have far-reaching effects and thus was worth every centavo of expense.

“If the equity bill, which the President so forcefully and urgently lobbied for among American lawmakers, is passed, that will mean that the nation’s 63-year old campaign to overturn the ill effects of the Rescission Act will have been successful,” Pilapil said, and our nation’s and veterans’ dignity and honor will be amply restored.”

It will be recalled that the American Congress’ Rescission Act of 1946 declared the 1941-1945 World War II military service of Filipino soldiers and guerillas (who were then American nationals) under the American flag and American military authorities as “non-existent” and almost all Filipino WWII soldiers and guerillas as “ineligible” for US government veterans’ benefits. “This,” Pilapil emphasized, “was an indignity and injustice imposed upon our country and veterans, and veterans are very pleased that a significant number of American legislators as well as President George W. Bush now recognize this to be so.”

Pilapil said President Arroyo is the best and most potent lobbyist that the country can have on this issue and she did not shirk that responsibility and task, instead giving it all she had. If the US Congress finally passes equity into law, as is widely hoped for and anticipated, this will also mean a windfall of nearly $1 billion in tangible monetary and medical veterans benefits will be coming into the Philippines and the coffers of our impoverished veterans and their families over the next ten years, he said.

He added that it is incumbent upon all sectors of Philippine society not to narrowly view the President’s actions in terms of only their sector’s parochial interests. As a nation consisting of many needy sectors, the President has to and does work for many sectors in a concurrent manner, he said and all Filipinos should view the Presidency in that light, with greater understanding and sympathy and support.

“We in the veterans sector are very pleased with the all-out support given us by the President,” Pilapil concluded.