“We’ve never come this close before on the equity issue. We’re almost at the end of the tunnel. We’re on the last lap," said Gordon who is on a visit to Washington to do his share of lobbying for passage of the measure pending in Congress.

A Senate version of the bill (S 57) and a House version (HR 760) seek for Filipino veterans the same pension benefits that their American counterparts receive.

Supporters are pushing for a pension of $800 a month but may be forced to settle for less to get the measures passed because of the enormous medical expenditures for US soldiers coming back from Iraq.

Gordon called on Rep. Bob Filner, House veterans affairs chairman, on Monday to thank him for his staunch support of Filipino veterans.

He has appointments with Senate President Harry Reid and Sen. Daniel Inoue, both Democrats, and personal friend Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican, to ask them ‘to keep pushing the equity issue," he said.

Since his days as mayor of Olongapo City, Gordon has been active in the campaign to help Filipino veterans at home and in the United States receive full benefits for their wartime activities.

According to records kept by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the Department of Veterans Affairs, only 18,155 Filipino World War II veterans are still alive out of 260,143 listed in the US Army roster immediately after the war.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Following his meeting June 20 with U.S. Representative Bob Filner (D-California), Philippine Sen. Richard Gordon called on the Filipino American community to exhibit political strength and make the community’s presence felt by their respective U.S.legislators on the issue regarding the struggle of Filipino World War II veterans to achieve equity for their heroism as they fought side by side with American troops in World War II for the cause of freedom and democracy.

Gordon expressed his appreciation for Filner’s commitment in his capacity as sponsor and Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs to pass HR 760, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007.

Gordon noted that Filner is a true American patriot who has shown through the years his deep appreciation of the significance to effectively address this issue and give to Filipino World War II veterans their due for their sacrifices and gallantry in World War II.

Gordon likewise stressed to the California solon that it is time for America to act decisively on this issue as this is not merely an issue of cost and money, but delves into matters of honor and values among longstanding allies and friends. As a beacon for justice and equality, America must take this opportunity to live up to the standards and values it has set for itself, he added.

The senator stressed that “the sizeable Filipino American community, especially those who vote in U.S. elections, are crucial in this struggle. Their advocacy in this cause would be of high value and necessary in efforts to get the equity bill passed." In addition, he said, it is time for the Filipino American community to become a more visible component of the U.S. political landscape.

He called on the Filipino American community to unite behind this issue as this struggle for justice and equity by Filipino World War II is a matter of honor. Call, write or even visit your respective Congressman and Senator, it is high time for the Filipino American community to make its numbers and influence felt to U.S. politicians and legislators."

“The issue concerning Filipino World War II veterans is an issue of honor and principle and there is no better issue around which the Filipino American community can rally around and express their collective strength in the political arena,” he added.

By Jose Katigbak