Mabuhay Ang Mga Veterano!

March 21, 2007

61 YEAR LONG WAIT FOR FILIPINO VETERANS MAY BE OVER WITH CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITY SUPPORT FOR FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY

Washington , DC- The House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Bob Filner and Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Mike Honda (D-CA) announced the unprecedented progress that has been made by the Filipino Veterans Equity Act (HR 760) in a national teleconference today. In the call, they reaffirmed their commitment to funding the bill and praised the Filipino American's leadership on this bill since its introduction. The teleconference was co-hosted by Rep. Mike Honda and the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE), a national coalition of organizations working for full equity for Filipino World War II veterans.

Representative Mike Honda commended the veterans for their service to the United States and issued a clear call for passage of the bill. "A promise made should be a promise kept, especially when it comes to veterans. If we are to be a legislative body dedicated to the ideals of justice and dignity, then it is imperative we honor the promise made to Filipino veterans, and restore their benefits." He also reaffirmed support for this bill from the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, "As Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I can also voice the Caucus's united support on this concern. We have prioritized the plight of the Filipino WWII veterans as a top legislative goal. CAPAC will continue to work to educate and recruit support from our colleagues and the public."

Representative Bob Filner (D-CA), chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee also reconfirmed his support for this bill. "We appreciate the support of the new Congressional majority for the Filipino World War II Veterans bill. I am committed to the passage of this bill as soon as possible." On the teleconference, he also thanked the Filipino American community for their support during his tenure in Congress. "The Filipino American groups, as well as the Filipino Veterans groups, have been very supportive," said Filner. "I will continue working with them to fulfill our obligation to the veterans."

Other speakers included Jon Melegrito and Lilian Galedo, NAFVE Co-Chairs. NAFVE announced a nationwide slate of events on or around April 9 to commemorate the "Day of Valor," marking the fall of Bataan and the infamous Bataan Death March. They also made reference to their work with the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, which has scheduled hearings for April 11. The final speaker was Mr. Manuel Braga, with the Filipino WWII Veterans Federation of San Diego, who said, "I have been working on this issue for along time, since 1969. I am so happy that we have a good chance this time around of finally passing this bill."

Washington , DC —The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE) will be holding a teleconference for members of the press with Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA). At this call, Congressman Honda and other invited members of Congress will talk about the Filipino Veterans Equity Act (HR 760/ S 57) and community leaders from NAFVE will announce their national mobilization campaign to secure justice for Filipino World War II Veterans.

· Chairman Bob Filner, U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee- invited

The National Alliance for Filipino World War II Veterans Equity is a coalition of local, national and international organizations and individuals committed to securing justice for Filipino World War II Veterans through restoration of U.S. Veterans status for purposes of benefits. All the groups have been part of a 60-year campaign to restore to Filipino WW II veterans their rightful claim to U.S. veterans status and recognition for their bravery in defending the

United States