JFAV Update
October 29, 2008

Veterans Still Optimistic on the Reconciled Veterans Benefits Bill.

Los Angeles –Taking time-off from its hectic activities to pass the veterans benefits bill pending in the US Congress, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the American reoccupation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008.

The veterans and their advocates are still very hopeful that the US Congress will convene the joint conference committee to reconcile the three separate bills for Filipino veterans. At present the S. 1315, HR 6897 and the Chat Edwards bill that appropriated $198 million for the veterans needs to be reconciled.

The JFAV and its lobby group - the ACFV based in Washington DC is highly optimistic that the reconciled bill that will grant recognition and give benefits to the Filipino veterans will be enacted before the US Congress ends this year.

" Most obstacles including the republican opposition to the benefits to the veterans in the Philippines have been weathered. We no other problems and with the leadership of Senator Daniel Inouye, we are very glad with the new develoments". JFAV coordinator Arturo Garcia said.

The Leyte Landing of 1944

Scores of World War II veterans, community advocates and the Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu, Jeff Nelson, CEO of the HPMC and Errol Santos of HPMC and hospital personnel led the simple rites held at the HPMC auditorium.

A Filipino mass was officiated by Fr. George Florendo to pay tribute to both living and departed veterans who fought in World War II in the Philippines.

Commander Lulu Astilla, Commander Jack Vergara of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) and Peping Baclig of Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), led the veterans. Arturo P. Garcia of People's CORE and Errol Santos led the community advocates.

On Oct. 20, 1944, the Sixth Army landed on the beach of Leyte with Macarthur wading ashore and proclaiming, “I have returned.”

Japan’s defeat in Leyte. Led to the liberation of the Philippines in 1945. Japanese losses were 56,600 killed or captured, as against only 3,000 for the Sixth Army or a kill ratio of 19 to 1. By Christmas Day, 1944 Japanese organized resistance on Leyte ended.

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