Filipino WWII vets benefit from U.S. stimulus

[unhappycamper]

Filipino WWII vets benefit from U.S. stimulus
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Feb 14, 2009 9:18:21 EST

MANILA, Philippines — A $198 million compensation package for Filipino World War II veterans included in the U.S. stimulus bill is a long-overdue victory for the former soldiers, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Saturday.

The $787 billion stimulus package approved by the U.S. Congress on Friday contains provisions recognizing and compensating Filipino veterans who fought under the American flag when the Philippines was still an American colony.

“Despite America’s economic challenges, the U.S. Congress voted to correct a historic wrong and incorporate the lump-sum benefit for our veterans,” Arroyo said in a statement.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye, a longtime supporter of Filipino veterans, has said the stimulus measure will provide $198 million for one-time payments to Filipino veterans.

More than 250,000 Filipinos served alongside U.S. soldiers to defend the Philippines from the 1941 Japanese invasion and resist subsequent Japanese occupation.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_filipino_wwii_vets_021409/%2e