Monday, April 10, 2006
Arroyo orders release of P1 billion for war veterans
MOUNT SAMAT, Bataan -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Sunday pledged the release of P1 billion to start payment of arrearages, from pensions to benefits, to World War II veterans.
Arroyo, during the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan Sunday, said the fiscal reforms that had been implemented under the first phase of her reform program has enabled the country to fund the old-age pensions, death pensions, disability pensions, and educational benefits of the veterans.
"Our fiscal reforms also enable us now to start paying our nation's debts to our veterans and the orphans of our heroes who rest in peace. Now only in words, not only in memorial ceremonies like today but also in concrete material terms," Arroyo said.
Some of the veterans and their relatives applauded the announcement while others asked for more and higher benefits.
Reports said the government owes the veterans some P42 billion worth of arrearages for the past 16 years. A veteran gets a monthly pension of P5,000 at present.
Arroyo assured the veterans that she cares for them and is also concerned about their welfare. She said she would do everything she can to address their problems and needs.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said as a "veteran," he is happy with the P1 billion pledge, the "biggest" released in the past years.
Ermita is hopeful that former President Fidel Ramos, being a veteran also, would welcome the development.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said the US Congress is still debating several measures that aim to increase the benefits due to the war veterans, be it Americans or Filipinos.
"But obviously, we're pleased that President George Bush has signed some measures in the last few years to give additional veterans' benefits and it's my privilege to honor those who were such proud partners with us in World War II and continue to be proud partners," she said.
Kenney said aside from having the "biggest section in the embassy" devoted to addressing the needs of the veterans, they are also going to provinces to meet and hear the complaints and problems of the veterans. She said they would also welcome electronic mails and telephone calls from them.
Kenney, whose father, the late Jerry Kenney, and 92-year-old father-in-law Albert Brownfield were involved in the World Ward II, also has a cousin who actually took part in the Death March from Bataan to Capas in Tarlac 64 years ago.
Her cousin, Captain Sonny Brownfield, "survived the Death March, finished the war in the Marine Corps and then returned home to Texas to farm and he died about 10 years ago. So he's now deceased but he's a fine man."
Kenney said her visit to Mount Samat was special as she gets to honor members of her family whom Filipinos, like in the case of all veterans, owe a great debt.
Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki again apologized in behalf of her government for the difficulties that Japan brought during the World War II, including the "tragic Death March."
Yamazaki said the Japanese government is determined not to allow the "lessons of that terrible war" to erode their determination in contributing to the peace and prosperity of the world. He said Japan in fact is pledging to continue providing assistance for the rehabilitation and development if Mindanao as they support the Philippines' bid to sign a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (JMR/Sunnex)
(April 10, 2006 issue)
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