Faustino Peping Baclig

Filipino World War II veteran, Bataan Survivor and FASGI lifetime volunteer, passed away today, Sunday, February 27, 2011 @2:30am

Viewing

Friday, March 4, 2011, at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary
Skyrose Terrace, 3888 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA
4:30-8:30pm

Funeral Service

Saturday, March 5, 2011, 3:00pm
Skyrose Chapel, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary


Send a letter to your elected official!

To find out who your elected officials are CLICK HERE and enter your zip code. E-mail the letter below or call them today!

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We can also send a letter on your behalf!

Fill out the following document and we'll personally send it to a representative for the Democratic National Convention August 25-28, 2008 and the Republican National Convention September 1-4, 2008. E-mail it to rhodaf@fasgi.org or fax it to (213) 487-9806 today!

CLICK HERE to Download the Letter (Word Doc 44KB)

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Letter to Congress (Sample)

Dear (Representative),

As one of your proud Filipino American constituents, I am writing to solicit your support for S.1315 or the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act, which was approved on April 24 by the U.S. Senate by a near unanimous vote. The bill may be brought to the House floor for a vote before Congress ends its session in September.

After over sixty years, this bill would finally provide due recognition and benefits for the surviving Filipino veterans who helped win the war for the Allied Forces in World War II. The Veteran's Equity Bill should not be looked at as a piece of legislation pitting U.S. veterans against Philippine veterans, but as restitution for the long neglect by the U.S. government. Recognition is long overdue recognition for the invaluable services of Filipino World War II veterans.

We know that some are opposing this bill because they claim that it would benefit a class of veterans whom they label as non-U.S. veterans. But actually, these veterans are America's veterans, for they were U.S. nationals serving under the American flag at a time when the Philippines was still a U.S. territory, following a military order from President Franklin Roosevelt. They have served the U.S. with complete loyalty and devotion.

There is not much time left. Out of the 260,000 soldiers listed by the U.S. Army after the war, only 18,000 are alive today. They would not be a long-term fiscal burden to the United States. It's really time for America to honor them before it's too late.

During a year when we will be holding general elections, it would be appropriate for the U.S. Congress to finally recognize and honor men who helped pave the way for the freedoms we Americans enjoy today.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Name) (Address) (Signature) (E-mail)

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About the Veterans' Equity Bill S.1315

  • The Filipino-American community would like to request the support of our Congress for the veteransíequity bill. We were informed that the House Leadership is supportive of the bill and are hoping to have it passed before the Congress adjourns in September.

  • After over sixty years, the Filipino community is overjoyed that the U.S. Senate has voted to pass Senate Bill 1315, the Veterans' Benefit Enhancement Act.

  • There is broad bipartisan support for S.1315 which, in addition to providing recognition and benefits to deserving Filipino World War II veterans, includes over $550 million in benefits for servicemen and women coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan.

  • The Filipino-American community would like to request the Honorable Congress to help ensure the passage of the bill, especially of its provision extending to all Filipino World War II veterans, including those based in the Philippines, the pension, benefits and other compensations long-owed to them. It would be appreciated if the current supporters could persuade their colleagues in Congress to support the bill.

  • The passage of the bill would serve as a restitution and long overdue recognition for the invaluable services of Filipino veterans in the Second World War.

  • It would provide them the due benefits which have for so long been denied them.

  • This would also put them in the same category as regular U.S. veterans, having served under the U.S. flag, under U.S. military leaders and under the orders of President Franklin Roosevelt who assimilated them into the U.S. Army in the Far East, when the Philippines was still a Commonwealth under the United States. They have served the U.S. with complete loyalty and devotion.

  • We understand there are concerns about the budgetary implications of the Philippine veterans' benefits. However, benefits provided to Filipino veterans in S. 1315 is significantly less than the benefits in the original Filipino Veterans Equity Act (H.R. 760) and represents a minute fraction of the original cost had all 260,000 veterans received their benefits after World War II.

  • Secondly, US$265 million is a small price to pay for the due recognition of the service and dedication of the Philippine.

  • There is not much time left. Out of the 260,000 listed by the U.S. army after the war, only 18,000 are left, whose average age is 83. They would no longer be a long term fiscal burden to the United States. It's really time for America to pay them back before it's too late.

  • At this point, there are also 17,000 American veterans residing in the Philippines who continue to receive regular benefits under U.S. law. There should therefore be no distinction between paying pensions to a class of veterans living in the U.S. as compared to another group living abroad, including the Philippines.

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Download the PDF Flyer and E-mail to Friends

Your support is crucial to the passing of the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act. Please distribute this information to as many people as possible!

CLICK HERE to Download the PDF (PDF 292KB)

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Photos Courtesy of
Frontliners Media Group