Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael E. Seguis today said that allegations that the Philippine Government has done nothing for the WWII veterans might be a litte unfair, particularly since the fight on behalf of Filipino veterans had been a personal crusade of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople.  Acting Secretary Seguis said that he still remembers the passion and commitment of Secretary Ople on this issue, recalling that Secretary Ople had said:

“I fought side-by-side with our veterans in World War II.  They showed no less courage, bravery or sacrifice in the fight for freedom.  A grave injustice was done to them when the US broke its promise for full equity.  This has been a tragedy that has spanned half a century and it is an injustice that must be corrected. Efforts will continue on the part of the Philippines to push for US legislation that will finally put an end to the profound inequality that continues to blemish the proud history of our common fight and our common victory on World War II.”

Acting Secretary Seguis said that as a direct result of the efforts of the Philippine Government, the U.S. Congress passed on 19-21 November 2003 H.R. 2297 (Veterans Benefits Act of 2003) and S. 1156 (Long- Term Care and Personnel Authorities Enhancement Act of 2003). “The bills provided benefits and health care to U.S.-based veterans who are naturalized citizens or legal residents, and their survivors who are residing in the U.S., including those in California. President Bush announced additional funding of medical equipment for the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and support for the Veterans Equity Bill in the U.S. Congress. The two bills passed by the Congress provided over $19 million a year for the health care of 8,000 Filipino veterans, and equitable benefits and burial rights to a hundred New Philippine Scouts, and their surviving widows living in the U.S.,” he explained.

“We continue with our efforts, both at the Federal and State level, to promote and protect the interests of our veterans and we will not rest until full equity is restored and their sacrifices are fully recognized,” Acting Secretary Seguis said. END.