By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

SENATOR James V. Espaldon yesterday proposed a resolution endorsing the immediate adoption of the "Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007," which seeks to restore the benefits to Filipino war veterans who fought alongside the American soldiers during World War II.
"These proud and brave WWII soldiers fought for the United States at the onset and through the duration of the war by order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt," Espaldon said in filing resolution 24, which he said was " a fitting tribute to those who endured the infamous Bataan Death March."
Now being commemorated on its 65th anniversary, the Death March involved the forcible transfer of prisoners of war by Japanese forces in the Philippines in 1942 following the three-month battle in the northern province. The death march , which began on April 10, 1942 and ended after 49 days, involved tortures and execution of any marchers who fell behind.
"The service of these men of valor should not be valued any less than those soldiers whom they fought bravely beside, or for that matter, of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that are fighting the war on terrorism today and have been put in harms way throughout history in defense of our nation or beliefs," Espaldon said.
Resolution 24 petitions the 110th Congress to "ensure passage" of the "Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007" which was filed as House Resolution 760 last Jan 31.
The House measure, which has companion legislation listed as Senate Bill 66, would authorize the restoration of full veterans’ benefits to Filipino citizens "who fought shoulder to shoulder with American soldiers as American nationals" under the US flag. The proposed measure is scheduled to be heard at the House of Representatives on April 11.
Filipino-American veterans of WWII were members of the military forces under the then Philippine commonwealth and the Philippine Scouts. They were drafted by the US government into active military service with full veterans’ benefits.
Upon the July 4, 1946 inauguration of the Philippines as an independent republic, the benefits previously offered to Filipino war veterans were eliminated through the Rescission Act.
"The palpable fact that there are fewer and fewer surviving Filipino veterans of the Second World War with each passing year, since the Truman administration, some 61 years ago, the recognized need to take notice of and provide for the Filipino-American veterans of WWII who gallantly fought for American interest," reads Resolution 24, cosponsored by Sen. Antonio R. Unpingco and Minority Leader, Sen. Judith T. Won Pat.