Benefits for Filipino veterans pressed
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. has made a “strong representation” before US officials for assistance on behalf of Filipino veterans who were denied their benefits pursuant to the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC).
In his meeting with Army Deputy Undersecretary Thomas Hawley, Cuisia made strong representation for assistance to ensure that no veteran is unjustly denied the benefit due him.
Army officials vowed to look into particular compelling cases that the Embassy may wish to bring to their attention, as well as work closely with the DVA to ensure that no one is denied due benefits because of administrative error.
The 2009 FVEC law grants a one-time lump sum to Filipino veterans in the amount of $15,000 for US citizens and $9,000 to non-US citizens. Out of the 42,553 who have applied for the benefit, 18,499 were approved and 24,125 were denied. Of those, 3,630 filed notices of disagreement—the appeals process provided by DVA.
While the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, is tasked to certify and validate the military service of Filipino veterans using two lists, a roster and a discharge list, instances of lapses in the NPRC certification process have been found.
While the Embassy insists that being in either of the list should serve as sufficient proof of service, Army officials stated that the two lists were diligently prepared, and are meant to complement each other. Hawley added that it would be difficult to alter the certification process.
Hawley pointed out that the US Army, through the NPRC, denies certification to any veteran whose name appears in a list of those who collaborated with the Japanese Imperial Army. He also disclosed that the DVA has the discretion to assess information submitted by veterans and make its own determination.
By ELLSON A. QUISMORIO
mb.com.ph
mb.com.ph
0 comments:
Post a Comment