(November 14, 2008) Downtown, Los Angeles – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) served as the induction officer for the 2008-2010 Board of Directors of United Filipino American World War II Veterans Association, Inc. at Angelus Plaza.  After thanking the outgoing board and congratulating the incoming board members, the congresswoman gave an update on federal legislation pending before Congress to assist Filipino WWII veterans.  As a special guest, Philippine Consul General Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon (shown in the red skirt) was also in attendance.  The congresswoman (pictured in the center) is surrounded by members of the organization’s board of directors and executive officers, some of whom are WWII veterans.

The congresswoman made the following remarks:

“I thank the outgoing Board of Directors and Executive Officers for their service to the United Filipino American World War II Veterans.  I also extend my sincere thanks for the privilege of installing your new officers. 

To our veterans here today, I especially extend to you my sincere gratitude for your service to our country.  You fought side by side with American soldiers under the command of General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.  You survived the Bataan Death March and numerous battles to regain the Philippine Islands.  And in return, our government promised that you would receive the same benefits as other American compatriots.  Sadly that promise was later rescinded.

I want you to know that with our new Administration and our new Congress, I and my colleagues in the House and in the Senate will continue fighting for you and other surviving Filipino veterans until you receive the benefits you were promised, and the respect and recognition you have earned and deserve.

I was disappointed that this year the House of Representatives failed to consider Senator Akaka’s bill which would have given the approximately 18,000 surviving Filipino veterans full veterans’ status and benefits.  While  the House did overwhelmingly pass legislation by Congressman Filner which would have provided Filipino veterans with a one-time payment, sadly it did not provide for full veteran status.  Unfortunately, the House and Senate did not reconcile the differences between their respective bills before Congress adjourned.  Therefore we still do not have a Filipino veteran’s equity bill.

The good news is  that  the Fiscal 2009, Department of Defense and Veterans spending bill, which became law in September, included $198 million in compensation for Filipino veterans.  Once authorization language is passed the funds will be released.

I assure you that when the Filipino Veterans Equity bill is reintroduced, it will once again  have my wholehearted support and I will fight for its passage.  Again I thank you for your friendship, your patriotism, and for your service to our country.”