HONOLULU - Local Filipino World War II veterans will meet with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka to thank him for fighting to provide formal recognition for their service to the United States and restore long-denied benefits.  Organizers estimate about 50 Filipino WWII veterans will attend.  Interviews available upon request.

Throughout World War II, while the Philippines was still a U.S. possession, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos fought under U.S. military command.  Filipino World War II veterans were initially recognized as U.S. veterans, until Congress passed the Rescission Acts in 1946, stripping many Filipinos of their veteran status and benefits.  For the past 60-plus years, Filipino veterans have been waiting for Congress to restore equity. 

Senator Akaka, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, included Filipino veterans' equity provisions in S. 1315, the omnibus Veterans Benefits Enhancements Act of 2007.  Certain Senators blocked the bill in an effort to remove the Filipino veterans' provisions, until Senator Akaka led a successful floor fight to pass the bill through the Senate, with Filipino equity intact.  The bill is now pending before the House of Representatives.

PRESS RELEASES:

• Senate Restores VA Benefits to Filipino World War II Veterans [April 28, 2008]
• Senate Passes Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 [April 24, 2008]
• Chairman Urges Consideration of Comprehensive Veterans' Bill [April 21, 2008]

ARTICLES:

• Honolulu Advertiser: Senate approves Filipino vets bill [April 25, 2008]
• Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Senate OKs benefits for Filipino veterans [April 25, 2008]
• Reuters: U.S. Senate approves Filipino veterans benefits [April 25, 2008]
• Nichi Bei Times: Senate Finally Approves Filipino Veteran Benefits [May 1, 2008]
• San Jose Mercury News: Promises denied: Filipino WW II veterans fight for benefits taken away [May 15, 2008]

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