Filipino war vets got $221M

More than 18,500 Filipino World War II veterans or their family members have received a total of $221 million (about P9.57 billion) in one-time compensation payments since 2009, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office in Manila.

In a report posted on the US Embassy website, the agency said the number “exceeds the 18,000 veterans estimated prior to the the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) benefits becoming law.”

With more than $16 million (about P692.8 million) in monthly disability compensation payments to approximately 15,000 beneficiaries—half of whom are Filipino veterans or their family members—the VA expects to spend at least $192 million (about P8.31 billion) on the program.

“These monthly payments are in addition to the one-time lump sum payments made to Filipino war veterans and their survivors as part of the FVEC,” said the report.

Last year, FVEC-related payments totaled $112,841,204 (about P4.88 billion).

Other benefits and services provided by the VA office included compensation and pension payments ($186.62 million); medical services ($7.85 million); and education-related benefits ($2.09 million).

Early this month, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. honored the “unparalleled service and sacrifice” of both American and Philippine war veterans.

Speaking during the Veterans Day rites at the American Cemetery in Taguig City, Thomas noted that “for over two centuries, our countries have produced the finest men and women in uniform.”

“Many are gathered here today and many more have lost their lives in battle. Our veterans are our liberators and our heroes. They are responsible for our freedom and the democracy we cherish,” he said.

At the same time, Thomas stressed the need to “honor those who answered the call to service when the US found it necessary to take up arms to defend that which we hold dear.”

“Among them are our service members in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of conflict and instability, who have chosen to be away from their loved ones in order to preserve their freedom,” he said.

According to Thomas, “we owe our service members and veterans a debt of gratitude.”

“Our debt to our veterans cannot be repaid with a mere hero’s welcome alone. We must also ensure that our veterans are well taken care of and have opportunities for continuing education and disability and health benefits,” he emphasized.

Thomas pointed out that the VA “has been in the Philippines since 1922.”

“Next year, it celebrates 90 years of committed service to veterans in the Philippines. Our VA office in Manila is the only VA office located overseas, a testament to the strong ties and still-growing partnership between the US and the Philippines.”