PHILIPPINES: Palace happy Villar is not hitting Arroyo (tags)
MANILA, Philippines—The rumored “hidden candidate” of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) got a boost Tuesday from Malacañang.
Pinoy war vets win pension battle in US Senate (tags)
The US Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs voted on Wednesday to give monthly pensions of up to $375 for Filipino World War II veterans and their widows for their service to Uncle Sam more than 60 years ago. “Today marks a special and historic occasion in our long-standing quest for justice and equity for our brave and courageous veterans,” said Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa after the committee, at a mark-up hearing, approved an omnibus benefits bill providing for a special set of benefits for men and women who have fought under the US flag. The measure provides a monthly pension of $300 for Filipino veterans who are single, $375 for married veterans and $200 for widows.