War vets buck moves to amend VFP charter

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino war veterans have rejected the changes being introduced by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to the constitution and by-laws governing the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), the group said on Wednesday.

All 182 delegates rejected the changes made by Gazmin in the classification of organizations that may join the federation as an umbrella organization, membership requirements, the composition of the supreme council, committees and management including the financial system.

“All regional presidents, district presidents including presidents of charter and affiliate organizations of the VFP all over the Philippines have unanimously spoken and they do not want to tinker with the current VFP constitution and by-laws at this time. They particularly expressed disapproval of the changes in the by-laws being introduced by no less than Defense Secretary Gazmin,” the delegates’ statement after the two-day workshop said.

Delegates believed all these by-laws amendments proposed by Gazmin will diminish the core function of the current set up of officers, downgrade the roles of the veterans’ widows and children.

They also feared the amendments will allow non-veterans to come in and take hold and control of all the assets of the VFP.

“The highest ruling body of the VFP has spoken at how thousands of Filipino veterans are best governed. We hope the voice of the people who fought for our freedom shall be respected,” the statement added.

The report was released Wednesday, coinciding with the 54th anniversary celebration of VFP held in Manila.

The VFP was created by Republic Act 2640, an act to create a public corporation to be known as the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.

It was approved into law by the late Pres. Garcia in May 1960 precisely to uphold and defend the democratic way of life as envisioned in the Philippine constitution, represent and to defend the interest of all Filipino veterans, coordinate the efforts of all different veterans of the Philippines in behalf of the interests of respective members.