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MANILA, Philippines—The United States government has processed more than 11,000 claims for the Filipino World War II Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC), and has paid out $105 million for this since the US government allowed it earlier this February, the US embassy here said Monday.
In a statement, the embassy said that the processing and pay-out were made through its US Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Manila Regional Office.
The embassy reminded Filipino WWII veterans that they have only until February 16, 2010 to file their claims for the FVEC benefit that was included among the many provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed by the US Congress and signed into law February 17, 2009 by US President Barack Obama.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 formally recognizes the service of qualified Filipino WWII veterans as active military service in the US Armed Forces. It authorizes a one-time lump-sum payment of $15,000 to eligible Filipino WW II veterans with US citizenship and US $9,000 to non-US citizen veterans.
The United States has approved $198 million for the benefit of all eligible Filipino WWII veterans. This additional payment will not change or affect other benefits an individual may be currently receiving.
The embassy advised claimants who have not yet filed an application tjat instructions are posted on the US embassy website.
“We ask claimants not to file duplicate applications if they have already received acknowledgement of receipt of their claim,” the statement said.
New applications may be mailed to the US Department of Veterans Affairs Manila Regional Office located at the US embassy, 1131 Roxas Boulevard 0930, Manila, Philippines.
“US citizens are asked to submit a copy of their US passport,” it said.
The US embassy said those seeking assistance completing their application can make an appointment with a USDVA representative by calling (632) 528-2500 or 1-800-1888-5252 outside of Metro Manila.
The USDVA will have representatives available to accept claims at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the dates listed below:
* PVAO USAFIPNL Camp Henry T. Allen, Baguio City, Benguet, 5 November 2009;
* PVAO Cleofer’s Building, General Hizon Extension, San Fernando City, Pampanga, 19 November 2009;
* PVAO CENTCOM, Camp Lapu-Lapu Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu, 14 January 2010; and
* PVAO Door 4, Gutierrez Compound, Abad Santos Ave., Davao City, Davao Del Sur, 11 February 2010.
All Filipino WWII veterans are requested to bring the following information and documentation (if applicable) when filing their claims:
* Two forms of Identification (such as passport, driver’s license, Senior Citizen ID, Bureau of Post ID, Voter ID, etc. )
* VA Claim number
* Service Number
* Proof of military service (AGO Form 23)
* US Passport (if a US Citizen)
The embassy said the USDVA pays about $17 million per month to veterans residing in the Philippines; some $8 million of this goes to Filipino WWII veterans or their survivors.
Veronica Uy
