ROMULO RAMPS UP SUPPORT FOR VETERANS BENEFITS IN KEY MEETINGS

24 September 2007 Washington , D.C. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo further firmed up and broadened support for vital legislations in the United States seen to provide benefits for Filipino World War II veterans.

Secretary Romulo met California Representative Bob Filner, Chair of the US House of Representatives veterans affairs committee, and Hawaii Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye, Secretary Romulo here, thanking the legislators for their “sustained support” and describing them as “proven partners and true friends of the Philippines .”

Secretary Romulo said Representative Filner welcomed the opportunity to meet him and provided a “constructive overview” of the status of the legislation in the U.S. Congress.

“Representative Filner has been a steadfast partner of the Philippines particularly on this issue and we thank him for his expressed commitment to do everything to see the bill through its passage,” Secretary Romulo said.

Rep. Filner sponsors US House Resolution 70, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, a stand-alone measure intended to cover benefits for Filipino veterans who fought with US forces during World War II.

Secretary Romulo said that during the meeting, Rep. Filner also suggested ways by which the Philippine Government could help broaden bipartisan support for the Veterans benefits bill, including further harnessing the Philippines Friendship Caucus.

“Representative Filner was optimistic that with extensive legislative and executive backing, we will finally see the passage of the bill,” Secretary Romulo added.

 “Let’s hope that we don’t have to wait any longer,” Secretary Romulo quoted Rep. Filner as saying.

 “We are committed to work closely with our partners to ensure that this important legislation is passed,” said Secretary Romulo.

Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye, likewise reiterated their unconditional support for Senate Bill 1315, the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, said Secretary Romulo.

The Senate version is an omnibus bill covering benefits for all veterans of the Second World War, both Americans and Filipinos.

/esgret

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