Cotabato City– Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al-Mueaqly, the revered Imam of Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Grand Mosque, for a series of lectures in this city, Marawi and Davao to extol Islam as a “religion of peace.”

Sheikh Al-Mueaqly, a renowned advocate of moderate Islam, arrived in Manila Friday and proceeded to Marawi City the following day on a mission organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, a report published in the Arab News daily said.

The newspaper report said the Makkah Grand Mosque imam was booked for lectures in the cities of Marawi, Davao and Cotabato.

The visit of Imam Al-Mueaqly was reportedly requested by Muslim Filipino clerics in order to remind young Muslims of their duty to promote and preserve peace amid perceptions that the jihadist ideology of the ISIS is being spread across the globe, including Lanao del Sur and other Muslim communities in Mindanao.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. hosted the sermon-like lecture on the true essence of Islam at the provincial capitol complex gymnasium in Marawi City.

Adiong’s office staff said thousands of Maranaos packed the provincial gymnasium to listen to the imam’s lecture.

On his way to Marawi City from the Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental, the imam’s convoy passed by rows of hundreds of Muslim children who lined the highway of Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, waving colorful flags while chanting “Tala’ al-Badru ‘Alayna,” an old Islamic song of prayer for peace and well-wishes, sources said.

Local police and military contingents secured the travel and visit of the revered Saudi Arabian cleric, it was learned.

The Markazosshabab Al-Muslim Fil Filibbien and other moderate religious groups in Lanao lauded the initiatives of Adiong in reviving the relationship between the Muslim locals and the Arab world, which was strained by the recent kidnapping of an Arab national.

In his statement on the visit of Sheikh Al-Mueaqly, Adiong reiterated his condemnation against extremism in Muslim Mindanao, hinting that an unabated preaching of jihadist ideology could evolve into armed movement.

Adiong is the grandson of the late Senator Domocao Alonto Sr., a fellow founder of the Rabitatul Alamin (World Muslim League) that now encompasses most Muslim countries.

In another report, local supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Lanao del Sur were reportedly irked by the visit of Sheikh Al-Mueaqly.

Leaders of the local ISIS fanatics, belonging to the jihadist Ghuraba group of the Khilaffa Islamiyah Movement (KIM), reportedly resented the Imam’s visit and even forbade their followers from joining the welcoming masses, sources from Marawi City said.

“Leaders and preachers of the fanatic group even staged a separate event, also on Saturday, and called for jihad (holy war) in pursuit of the Islamic Caliphate ideology espoused by the ISIS leadership,” a Maranao informant told the Bulletin by phone.

Sources privy to local jihadist preaching said the Lanao-based Ghuraba is backed by a few Arabic school operators in promoting calls for militant Islamic State resembling the ISIS.

They said the group was involved in recent armed atrocities including the assassination of an American national in Cagayan de Oro City, killing of soldiers in separate attacks in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, and the kidnapping of an Arab missionary while conducting an inventory of Arab financial donations to Arabic schools in the province. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Grand Mosque Imam promotes Islam as religion of peace

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments

Cotabato City– Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al-Mueaqly, the revered Imam of Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Grand Mosque, for a series of lectures in this city, Marawi and Davao to extol Islam as a “religion of peace.”

Sheikh Al-Mueaqly, a renowned advocate of moderate Islam, arrived in Manila Friday and proceeded to Marawi City the following day on a mission organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, a report published in the Arab News daily said.

The newspaper report said the Makkah Grand Mosque imam was booked for lectures in the cities of Marawi, Davao and Cotabato.

The visit of Imam Al-Mueaqly was reportedly requested by Muslim Filipino clerics in order to remind young Muslims of their duty to promote and preserve peace amid perceptions that the jihadist ideology of the ISIS is being spread across the globe, including Lanao del Sur and other Muslim communities in Mindanao.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. hosted the sermon-like lecture on the true essence of Islam at the provincial capitol complex gymnasium in Marawi City.

Adiong’s office staff said thousands of Maranaos packed the provincial gymnasium to listen to the imam’s lecture.

On his way to Marawi City from the Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental, the imam’s convoy passed by rows of hundreds of Muslim children who lined the highway of Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, waving colorful flags while chanting “Tala’ al-Badru ‘Alayna,” an old Islamic song of prayer for peace and well-wishes, sources said.

Local police and military contingents secured the travel and visit of the revered Saudi Arabian cleric, it was learned.

The Markazosshabab Al-Muslim Fil Filibbien and other moderate religious groups in Lanao lauded the initiatives of Adiong in reviving the relationship between the Muslim locals and the Arab world, which was strained by the recent kidnapping of an Arab national.

In his statement on the visit of Sheikh Al-Mueaqly, Adiong reiterated his condemnation against extremism in Muslim Mindanao, hinting that an unabated preaching of jihadist ideology could evolve into armed movement.

Adiong is the grandson of the late Senator Domocao Alonto Sr., a fellow founder of the Rabitatul Alamin (World Muslim League) that now encompasses most Muslim countries.

In another report, local supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Lanao del Sur were reportedly irked by the visit of Sheikh Al-Mueaqly.

Leaders of the local ISIS fanatics, belonging to the jihadist Ghuraba group of the Khilaffa Islamiyah Movement (KIM), reportedly resented the Imam’s visit and even forbade their followers from joining the welcoming masses, sources from Marawi City said.

“Leaders and preachers of the fanatic group even staged a separate event, also on Saturday, and called for jihad (holy war) in pursuit of the Islamic Caliphate ideology espoused by the ISIS leadership,” a Maranao informant told the Bulletin by phone.

Sources privy to local jihadist preaching said the Lanao-based Ghuraba is backed by a few Arabic school operators in promoting calls for militant Islamic State resembling the ISIS.

They said the group was involved in recent armed atrocities including the assassination of an American national in Cagayan de Oro City, killing of soldiers in separate attacks in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, and the kidnapping of an Arab missionary while conducting an inventory of Arab financial donations to Arabic schools in the province. (Ali G. Macabalang)


COTABATO CITY, Philippines --- The executive department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will start its celebration of the ARMM’s 24th anniversary Thursday with activities highlighting the rich culture and traditions of the local communities.

The ARMM was created through a plebiscite in 1989, which resulted in the ratification of its first ever charter, the Republic Act 6734, which grouped together Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in Central Mindanao, and the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, as its territory.

Laisa Alamia, regional executive secretary, said the anniversary festivities, dubbed as “Pakaradjaan sa ARMM,” will also showcase the development potentials of the autonomous region.

Pakadrajaan is a generic Moro term for “special gathering,” or convergence of communities to either celebrate something, or engage in religious activities such as thanksgiving banquets, or to commemorate historic events.

“We shall have cultural programs to show the unique cultures and traditions of ARMM’s local Moro communities,” Alamia said.

The ARMM's territory was expanded in another referendum in 2001, which resulted in the ratification of its first charter into R.A. 9054, which also led to the fusion of Basilan and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan into its enlarged political domain.

Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1


ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said their observance of the region’s 24th anniversary, to culminate on December 19, is also meant to show their readiness to facilitate a smooth transition from ARMM's present set-up into the new Bangsamoro political entity, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aim to establish by 2015.

Southern Mindanao folks observe November 19 as the Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan Day, a yearly regional non-working holiday, to commemorate the setting foot in what is now Cotabato City in the 14th century of Kabunsuan, an Islamic theologian of mixed Arab-Malay descent, to preach Islam.

Hataman had even dubbed “PEACEtahan sa ARMM” this year’s founding anniversary of the region.

Hataman first got to the helm of ARMM on a “caretaker basis” in December 2011, following the termination of the elective tenure of regional officials led by the region’s chief executive then, Ansarudin “Hooky” Adiong.

Hataman was elected as ARMM's seventh regional governor during the May 13 elections.

Alamia and Hataman’s chief-of-staff, Amihilda Sangcopan, both told reporters they will continue to introduce reforms in the regional bureaucracy and implement various socio-economic projects to address underdevelopment in far-flung areas until ARMM gets phased out by 2016.

“The autonomous region faces imminent replacement with a Bangsamoro political entity if the government and MILF strike a final peace deal next year,” Sangcopan said.

The Hataman administration now boasts of having reformed two of the most corrupt entities in the region --- the public works and education departments --- through stringent handling of the agencies’ respective treasuries and a crackdown on "ghost teachers" and non-existent schools that past administrations had used as conduits for releases of periodic operation funds.

The ARMM’s public works secretary, Hadji Emil Sadain, reported last month that they had generated, during the past 18 months, close to P200-million worth grants from the national government as a result of their proper handling of the department’s fiscal resources.

Jamar Kulayan, who is the ARMM’s education secretary, also confirmed last August their having saved in recent months P800 million worth of operations money and unspent budget for wages and fringe benefits of the agency's rank-and-file personnel after removing "ghost teachers" from their payrolls.

Alamia said there were no major disruptions in the May 13 synchronized local and midterm elections, and during the October 28 barangay polls in the autonomous region.

“There were resetting and deferment of elections due to various reasons, but there were no failures of elections whatsoever in the autonomous region,” Alamia said.

ARMM set to celebrate 24th anniversary

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments


COTABATO CITY, Philippines --- The executive department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will start its celebration of the ARMM’s 24th anniversary Thursday with activities highlighting the rich culture and traditions of the local communities.

The ARMM was created through a plebiscite in 1989, which resulted in the ratification of its first ever charter, the Republic Act 6734, which grouped together Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in Central Mindanao, and the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, as its territory.

Laisa Alamia, regional executive secretary, said the anniversary festivities, dubbed as “Pakaradjaan sa ARMM,” will also showcase the development potentials of the autonomous region.

Pakadrajaan is a generic Moro term for “special gathering,” or convergence of communities to either celebrate something, or engage in religious activities such as thanksgiving banquets, or to commemorate historic events.

“We shall have cultural programs to show the unique cultures and traditions of ARMM’s local Moro communities,” Alamia said.

The ARMM's territory was expanded in another referendum in 2001, which resulted in the ratification of its first charter into R.A. 9054, which also led to the fusion of Basilan and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan into its enlarged political domain.

Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1


ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said their observance of the region’s 24th anniversary, to culminate on December 19, is also meant to show their readiness to facilitate a smooth transition from ARMM's present set-up into the new Bangsamoro political entity, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aim to establish by 2015.

Southern Mindanao folks observe November 19 as the Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan Day, a yearly regional non-working holiday, to commemorate the setting foot in what is now Cotabato City in the 14th century of Kabunsuan, an Islamic theologian of mixed Arab-Malay descent, to preach Islam.

Hataman had even dubbed “PEACEtahan sa ARMM” this year’s founding anniversary of the region.

Hataman first got to the helm of ARMM on a “caretaker basis” in December 2011, following the termination of the elective tenure of regional officials led by the region’s chief executive then, Ansarudin “Hooky” Adiong.

Hataman was elected as ARMM's seventh regional governor during the May 13 elections.

Alamia and Hataman’s chief-of-staff, Amihilda Sangcopan, both told reporters they will continue to introduce reforms in the regional bureaucracy and implement various socio-economic projects to address underdevelopment in far-flung areas until ARMM gets phased out by 2016.

“The autonomous region faces imminent replacement with a Bangsamoro political entity if the government and MILF strike a final peace deal next year,” Sangcopan said.

The Hataman administration now boasts of having reformed two of the most corrupt entities in the region --- the public works and education departments --- through stringent handling of the agencies’ respective treasuries and a crackdown on "ghost teachers" and non-existent schools that past administrations had used as conduits for releases of periodic operation funds.

The ARMM’s public works secretary, Hadji Emil Sadain, reported last month that they had generated, during the past 18 months, close to P200-million worth grants from the national government as a result of their proper handling of the department’s fiscal resources.

Jamar Kulayan, who is the ARMM’s education secretary, also confirmed last August their having saved in recent months P800 million worth of operations money and unspent budget for wages and fringe benefits of the agency's rank-and-file personnel after removing "ghost teachers" from their payrolls.

Alamia said there were no major disruptions in the May 13 synchronized local and midterm elections, and during the October 28 barangay polls in the autonomous region.

“There were resetting and deferment of elections due to various reasons, but there were no failures of elections whatsoever in the autonomous region,” Alamia said.



A caravan of ox-pulled carts such as this was once a familiar sight in the urban areas.
The Alliance française de Manille under its new director opens its doors once again to Filipino artists as it hosts its first event after renovations to the building, and also in time for the visit to the Philippines of the Alliance française Foundation’s secretary general, Jean-Claude Jacq.

“Vanishing Point” is an exhibition of 40 black-and-white photos taken by ABS-CBN.com’s deputy editor for multimedia, Fernando Sepe Jr., documenting the travel from Pangasinan to Manila of ox-pulled carts containing hand-crafted wood and basket-woven wares that used to be common place in the streets of Manila.

Running until November 28, Vanishing Point will be the first exhibit since renovations were made early this year. Alliance française now boasts of two extra floors to accommodate more classrooms for students learning the French language, a multi-purpose hall for events, and a renovated theater that shows French films through its weekly ciné club and a venue for screening Filipino films as part of the network of cinémathèques of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Under the leadership of its new director, Patrick Deyvant, who arrived last month after ending his post as director of Alliance française de Medellin in Colombia, Alliance française de Manille is poising itself to become a point de rencontre for French and Filipino artists and their artworks.

“If the primary mission of the Alliance française is to promote the French language, it should serve also as a cultural center in its own right not only for the promotion of French culture, but of Philippine culture as well,” explained Deyvant.  “Vanishing Point fulfills an obligation to remember and reflect on the evolution of the urban space of Manila and its relation to the ‘rurality’ that constitutes its unique landscape.”

 Vanishing Point is curated by Susan De Guzman and Giselle Kasilag, with the support of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and co-produced by Project Art.

Source: http://goo.gl/Q0ACmV

Alliance Française Launches First Exhibit in New Gallery

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments



A caravan of ox-pulled carts such as this was once a familiar sight in the urban areas.
The Alliance française de Manille under its new director opens its doors once again to Filipino artists as it hosts its first event after renovations to the building, and also in time for the visit to the Philippines of the Alliance française Foundation’s secretary general, Jean-Claude Jacq.

“Vanishing Point” is an exhibition of 40 black-and-white photos taken by ABS-CBN.com’s deputy editor for multimedia, Fernando Sepe Jr., documenting the travel from Pangasinan to Manila of ox-pulled carts containing hand-crafted wood and basket-woven wares that used to be common place in the streets of Manila.

Running until November 28, Vanishing Point will be the first exhibit since renovations were made early this year. Alliance française now boasts of two extra floors to accommodate more classrooms for students learning the French language, a multi-purpose hall for events, and a renovated theater that shows French films through its weekly ciné club and a venue for screening Filipino films as part of the network of cinémathèques of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Under the leadership of its new director, Patrick Deyvant, who arrived last month after ending his post as director of Alliance française de Medellin in Colombia, Alliance française de Manille is poising itself to become a point de rencontre for French and Filipino artists and their artworks.

“If the primary mission of the Alliance française is to promote the French language, it should serve also as a cultural center in its own right not only for the promotion of French culture, but of Philippine culture as well,” explained Deyvant.  “Vanishing Point fulfills an obligation to remember and reflect on the evolution of the urban space of Manila and its relation to the ‘rurality’ that constitutes its unique landscape.”

 Vanishing Point is curated by Susan De Guzman and Giselle Kasilag, with the support of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and co-produced by Project Art.

Source: http://goo.gl/Q0ACmV

 Greetings citizens of the Philippines. We are Anonymous.

We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only easiest way we could convey our message to you, 
our dear brothers and sisters who are tired of this cruelty and this false democracy, tired of this government
and the politicians who only think about themselves.

The government, in many ways, has failed its Filipino citizens.
We have been deprived of things which they have promised to give; what our late heroes have promised us to give. 
Let us remind the government that fairness, justice and freedom are more than words. They are perspectives. 

A march is happening, a revolution. A way to speak, a way to be heard.
On the fifth day of November, 2013, we will try to be a part of the history.

But of course there are those who do not want us to speak, and those who have doubts.
You can sleep, sit, go on with your everyday routine just like a herd of sheep and watch as the government laugh at you.
But if you see what we see, if you feel as we feel, and if you would seek as we seek... then we ask you to stand beside us,
this fifth of November outside Batasang Pambansa and let us march our way to freedom - a freedom from the shackles
of the Government.

You have been called; and by watching, you have been chosen.

To the "incorrupt" officials of the government, we are challenging you!
Join us!

The Corrupt - Fear us.
The Honest - Support us.
The Heroic - Join us.

We are Anonymous.
We are ONE.
The government, you are NONE.


We are legion. 
On the 5th of November, Government - Hear and understand us, or EXPECT US!

Message of the Anonymous Philippines, The Hackers

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments

Greetings citizens of the Philippines. We are Anonymous.

We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only easiest way we could convey our message to you, 
our dear brothers and sisters who are tired of this cruelty and this false democracy, tired of this government
and the politicians who only think about themselves.

The government, in many ways, has failed its Filipino citizens.
We have been deprived of things which they have promised to give; what our late heroes have promised us to give. 
Let us remind the government that fairness, justice and freedom are more than words. They are perspectives. 

A march is happening, a revolution. A way to speak, a way to be heard.
On the fifth day of November, 2013, we will try to be a part of the history.

But of course there are those who do not want us to speak, and those who have doubts.
You can sleep, sit, go on with your everyday routine just like a herd of sheep and watch as the government laugh at you.
But if you see what we see, if you feel as we feel, and if you would seek as we seek... then we ask you to stand beside us,
this fifth of November outside Batasang Pambansa and let us march our way to freedom - a freedom from the shackles
of the Government.

You have been called; and by watching, you have been chosen.

To the "incorrupt" officials of the government, we are challenging you!
Join us!

The Corrupt - Fear us.
The Honest - Support us.
The Heroic - Join us.

We are Anonymous.
We are ONE.
The government, you are NONE.


We are legion. 
On the 5th of November, Government - Hear and understand us, or EXPECT US!




                               

While many Filipinos go abroad for greener pastures, a growing number of Filipino-American students abroad is now considering finding jobs in the Philippines.

The reverse trend has been noted by Philippine Ambassador to United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.,who said college and post-graduate students in the US are now interested to explore their opportunities in the Philippines given the country’s positive economic outlook.

Citing a recent visit to Yale University, Cuisia noted the positive feedback he received about the Philippines not only from Filipino-American but also other foreign students. He attended the Global Perspectives Symposia in the university sponsored by the Kasama-The Filipino Club of Yale and the Yale International Relations Association where he talked about the recent economic achievements in the Philippines.

“Most of the Filipino-American youths I have talked to see bright prospects for the Philippines and have expressed their desire to find work there,” he said in a statement. “You would not be hearing this from them two to three years ago.”

He added he was surprised over the enthusiasm of Filipino-American students who asked many questions about the Philippines in the open forum that followed.

“There seem to be this surge in their desire to learn more about the Philippines.”

In his remark, he cited projections made by Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas that the Philippine economy will grow at an average of 7 to 9 percent in the next 20 years.

“According to Dr. Villegas, this is a strong demonstration of the ‘tipping point’ phenomenon–the result of the transformational leadership changes and the policy reforms introduced in almost 30 years,” he told Yale students.

Junior student Ulysses Isidro, whose parents are from Bataan and Capiz, is among who wants to try his luck in the Philippines.

“I was reminded not to forget my heritage and now hope to visit and possibly work in the Philippines after graduation to learn more about my culture and country firsthand,” Isidro, also the president of Kasama-co, said.

This is the same thought of Hannah Gonzales, a sophomore majoring in History as she said: “Although I knew quite a bit about the Philippines beforehand, Ambassador Cuisia added a new dimension to the Philippines’ role on the world stage that I was not quite familiar with. Now, I can see the Philippines as both an emerging economy and a fun place to travel to.” (Ron B. Lopez)

US-educated Filipinos eyeing jobs in the Philippines

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments



                               

While many Filipinos go abroad for greener pastures, a growing number of Filipino-American students abroad is now considering finding jobs in the Philippines.

The reverse trend has been noted by Philippine Ambassador to United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.,who said college and post-graduate students in the US are now interested to explore their opportunities in the Philippines given the country’s positive economic outlook.

Citing a recent visit to Yale University, Cuisia noted the positive feedback he received about the Philippines not only from Filipino-American but also other foreign students. He attended the Global Perspectives Symposia in the university sponsored by the Kasama-The Filipino Club of Yale and the Yale International Relations Association where he talked about the recent economic achievements in the Philippines.

“Most of the Filipino-American youths I have talked to see bright prospects for the Philippines and have expressed their desire to find work there,” he said in a statement. “You would not be hearing this from them two to three years ago.”

He added he was surprised over the enthusiasm of Filipino-American students who asked many questions about the Philippines in the open forum that followed.

“There seem to be this surge in their desire to learn more about the Philippines.”

In his remark, he cited projections made by Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas that the Philippine economy will grow at an average of 7 to 9 percent in the next 20 years.

“According to Dr. Villegas, this is a strong demonstration of the ‘tipping point’ phenomenon–the result of the transformational leadership changes and the policy reforms introduced in almost 30 years,” he told Yale students.

Junior student Ulysses Isidro, whose parents are from Bataan and Capiz, is among who wants to try his luck in the Philippines.

“I was reminded not to forget my heritage and now hope to visit and possibly work in the Philippines after graduation to learn more about my culture and country firsthand,” Isidro, also the president of Kasama-co, said.

This is the same thought of Hannah Gonzales, a sophomore majoring in History as she said: “Although I knew quite a bit about the Philippines beforehand, Ambassador Cuisia added a new dimension to the Philippines’ role on the world stage that I was not quite familiar with. Now, I can see the Philippines as both an emerging economy and a fun place to travel to.” (Ron B. Lopez)



DAVAO CITY – Winning their discrimination case against the U.S. government and finally getting full military benefits could have given them the perfect gift this holiday season. But once again, these Filipino World War II veterans ended up empty-handed.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeals decision and denied the appeal in a case that would have granted full benefits to about 120,000 surviving Filipino World War II veterans and their widows.

"Wala na, namatay na yung pag-asa ng mga beterano at widows na magkaroon ng full recognition. Nakakalungkot nga pero ganun talaga yung nangyari," said Violy Reyes, coordinator for the advocacy-group Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV), said.

The case did not close based on merits, but on procedure. The Supreme Court wanted the case to be heard by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Judicial Board.

But according to JFAV, this process could take a long time. There are reportedly about 600,000 claims pending right now with the DVA Judicial Board. The advocates feel the case would not be heard fairly, because the case is against the DVA itself.

The veterans admitted they are losing hope.
"This discrimination against us is wrong, and it needs to be corrected," Aquilino Delen, a Filipino World War II veteran, said.

Veterans’ advocates said that technically it’s not a closed case, because no oral arguments were heard at the Supreme Court. They could still file a new case with the district courts, but that means spending more money and that’s something the veterans don’t have.

Their other recourse is to convince lawmakers to finally pass the Filipino American Veterans Fairness Act, which would give them full benefits.

The veterans said if they can’t win in court, they can win in Congress.

“May kasabihan nga na pagnabubuhay ay may pag-asa,” Filipino veteran Porfirio Robea concluded.

US Supreme Court denies Pinoy veterans' appeal for benefits

Posted on by Unknown with 20 comments



DAVAO CITY – Winning their discrimination case against the U.S. government and finally getting full military benefits could have given them the perfect gift this holiday season. But once again, these Filipino World War II veterans ended up empty-handed.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeals decision and denied the appeal in a case that would have granted full benefits to about 120,000 surviving Filipino World War II veterans and their widows.

"Wala na, namatay na yung pag-asa ng mga beterano at widows na magkaroon ng full recognition. Nakakalungkot nga pero ganun talaga yung nangyari," said Violy Reyes, coordinator for the advocacy-group Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV), said.

The case did not close based on merits, but on procedure. The Supreme Court wanted the case to be heard by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Judicial Board.

But according to JFAV, this process could take a long time. There are reportedly about 600,000 claims pending right now with the DVA Judicial Board. The advocates feel the case would not be heard fairly, because the case is against the DVA itself.

The veterans admitted they are losing hope.
"This discrimination against us is wrong, and it needs to be corrected," Aquilino Delen, a Filipino World War II veteran, said.

Veterans’ advocates said that technically it’s not a closed case, because no oral arguments were heard at the Supreme Court. They could still file a new case with the district courts, but that means spending more money and that’s something the veterans don’t have.

Their other recourse is to convince lawmakers to finally pass the Filipino American Veterans Fairness Act, which would give them full benefits.

The veterans said if they can’t win in court, they can win in Congress.

“May kasabihan nga na pagnabubuhay ay may pag-asa,” Filipino veteran Porfirio Robea concluded.