JFAV Represented in Big Events in Washington and SFO

JFAV Update
Dec. 12, 2008

JFAV Represented in Big Events in Washington and SFO

1. Dec.8. 2008- Atty Nedo Valera represented the JFAV during the necrological services for the departed veterans Jack Tejada in Washington DC. Atty Valera, also the executive director of the Migrant Heritage Commission (HMC) based in Washington is also the legal counsel of JFAV.

World War II veteran leader Jack Tejada was honored by the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV) together with the NAFFA and other Filipino American organizations in Washington DC last December 8. The day of remembrance for the entry of the United States for the World War II.

2. Dec. 10- JFAV San Francisco led by veteran leaders Gomer Bondad and Reggie Nacua represented JFAV at the ABS-CBN Community meeting at its studio in the Bay Area. JFAV discussed with the Veterans Equity Center the JFAV stand on the lump sum bill SB 36879 now pending in the US Congress. The VEC still stands for “ Total Equity” and pointed the lump sum bill is flawed.

On the other hand, while JFAV do not publicly endorses SB 3689, it criticizes the facts that SB 3689 1) has no recognition for Filvets, 2) there is a quit claim clause 3) no provisions for widows of the veterans. Therefore there is a great difference between the VEC stand and the JFAV position on the matter. JFAV might pursue different strategy and tactics on the veterans equity struggle.

3. JFAV also announced it helped form the AWARE group- the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) last Dec. 8 in an organizing meeting held at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC). It has an initial 25 members.

4. JFAV also supported the UHW rally/picket at the Radisson Hotel against the SEIU International who held an elections last Dec. 11 at around 5:00 PM. More than 300 people attended the rally.