After much deliberation in the US Congress and opposition from the Republicans, US President Barack Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus package, the biggest ever in American history known now as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA). While some Americans continue to have doubts about it's positive effect in their failing economy, Filipino war veterans focus now on the $198 million Compensation Package. The benefit package is part of the $787 billion stimulus which recognizes the military service rendered by the Filipino veterans. Pinoy war vets will be getting a one time payment of $15,000 (US based) and $9,000 for those living in the Philippines.
I initially felt victorious for the brave Filipinos who have fought side by side the Americans during the war. They truly deserve to get what was promised to them by the US government. But I must say that it breaks my heart to see them every night in the news, at their old age lining up just to get application forms. Most of these veterans are sick and weak considering their age. There was even one who have died right after his application was submitted. Could this really be a victory for them? Why can't they be given lifetime pensions ?
I initially felt victorious for the brave Filipinos who have fought side by side the Americans during the war. They truly deserve to get what was promised to them by the US government. But I must say that it breaks my heart to see them every night in the news, at their old age lining up just to get application forms. Most of these veterans are sick and weak considering their age. There was even one who have died right after his application was submitted. Could this really be a victory for them? Why can't they be given lifetime pensions ?
While thousands of Pinoy vets streak the Philippine Veterans Office (PVAO) in Camp Aguinaldo to get the "compensation benefit" applications forms, the US Embassy in Manila have recently announced that there are 13 more sites to serve veterans for this purpose and that the application process no longer requires personal appearance of the veterans.
As the global economic crisis looms and the US economy dwindles, I guess our Pinoy vets will be forced to be contented and make do of what was given to them. And be thankful that they will be able to partake in the largest pie ever baked in the US financial budget so to speak. I just want to say to all Pinoy vets that though you are half victorious in this fight, I salute you for the valor and candor you have shown the world not only during war but most importantly in your daily struggles in life.
As the global economic crisis looms and the US economy dwindles, I guess our Pinoy vets will be forced to be contented and make do of what was given to them. And be thankful that they will be able to partake in the largest pie ever baked in the US financial budget so to speak. I just want to say to all Pinoy vets that though you are half victorious in this fight, I salute you for the valor and candor you have shown the world not only during war but most importantly in your daily struggles in life.
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