US welcomes additional applications from war veterans

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The US government is still accepting applications from Filipino World War II veterans who want to avail of the one-time lump sum compensation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“We want everybody who’s eligible to be able to apply and anybody who thinks they might be eligible should apply,” US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said here Monday, during a visit to the Jaro High School to check on US Peace Corps volunteers’ work on education.

So far, on the first month, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has received about 23,000 claims, she said.

Filipino war veterans have 11 months left within which to file their application with the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila.

“I’m sure we’ll get many, many more. I hope we will,” Kenney said, adding that it is a “tragedy to miss people who are eligible to apply.”

The VA, she said, is already reviewing applications. Applicants will be informed in writing about the result of their claim with the US government.

“Hopefully, I would say, maybe about the end of April or so we would be able to start adjudicating those (claims),” she said.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was passed last Feb. 16, Filipino World War II veterans based in the country are entitled to a one-time benefit of $9,000, or $ 15,000 for those already holding American citizenship and are in the US. – Ronilo Pamonag