Filipino Vets Insulted by Benefits Bill

Week of October 06, 2008

The U.S. Senate passed a bill in April to give Filipino soldiers military benefits on par with those of U.S. veterans, and many Filipino Vets thought they would, finally, be honored for his years of sacrifice. But the hopes harbored by thousands of Filipino veterans around the country took a hit last week when the House of Representatives approved a version of a Senate bill that fell short of what the veterans feel they deserve. The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008 (S 1315) would make payments of $9,000 to about 11,000 veterans living in the Philippines. The Senate version would have provided Filipino vets living in the U. S. a $911 monthly pension from the VA, and $300 plus VA health care if they live in the Philippines. Learn more about this issue on Military.com.

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