Post by dcgrava on Nov 7, 2006 0:10:28 GMT -5
Backgrounder:
The new Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Willy C. Gaa, is inviting community and veterans’ leaders to a conference at the Philippine Embassy, Washington DC, this coming Dec. 6 and 7. After some exchanges of information, a list may have been drawn as to who supposedly are legitimate representatives of WWII veterans and their cause.
In this connection, I'm taking the liberty of reproducing below a thread of messages in that regard for everyone's information or for whatever purpose this may serve the veterans' interests. I also did a little reformatting and deleted unnecessary email addresses as well as certain portions that include charges about who are real and who are pretenders to the cause which, I think, we can do without at this instance.
November 4, 2006
T O: HE Ambassador Willy Gaa
Alma Quintan Kern, Chairman, NaFFAA Board of
Directors Rozita Lee, NaFFAA Vice Chairman, Board of
Directors Joann Fields, National Youth
Chairman Loida Nicolas Lewis, Chairman Emerita,
NaFFAA
Major General Delfin Lorenzana (Ret.) Head, OVA,
Minister-Counselor
HE Consul General Cecile B. Rebong
NaFFAA Regional Chairmen
R1 - Arnulfo Rosario Sr.
R2 - Bing Branigin,
R3 - Ed Navarra,
R4 - Ernesto Ramos
R5 - Donna La Vigne
R6 - Arlene Macheta
R7 - Tessie Atayde
R8 - Viki Bamba
R9 - Gil Mislang
R10 - Joann Fields
R11 - Dr. Rina Nora
R12 - Ron Menor
Rodel Rodis, Chairman, Issues Committee, NaFFAA
Colonel Frank Quezada (Ret.) Editor/Publisher,
Balitang Veterano
Colonel Pat Ganio, (Ret.) President, ACFV
Franco Arceval, Vice President, ACFV
Commander Gene Mondok, United Filipino
American Veterans
Juan De La Torre, Quartermaster, UFAV
Commander Juan Diaz, Philippine American
Veterans Orgn.
Rudy Nicolas, Director, Association of
Former RP Military Personnels
Peping Baclig, President, Golden Agers of LA
Commander Nick Gadia, Society of Guerillas and Scouts
Commander Greg Villanueva, Veterans Legion
of the Philippines
Vice Commander Victor Siamson. Veterans
Legion of the Philippines
Virginia Conde, President, Ladies Auxillary of UFAV
Aurora Arcibal, Vice President, Ladies Auxillary of UFAV
Cecilia Ramos, Treasurer, UFAV Ladies Auxillary
Art Garcia, President, Justice for Filipino
American Veterans
Commander Sostones Rivera, VFW Post
1063, Pennsylvania Department
Commander Rudy Hermosa, VFW Post,
Massachussetts Department
Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman, U.S. President's
Advisory Commission on AAPI
Eric Lachica, Executive Director, ACFV
Norma Benzon, President Benzon Consulting
Linda Limcaco, President, PNA of Pennsylvania
& New Jersey
Gwen De Vera, President, Chairman,
Filipino American Democrats of NJ
Perry Diaz, President, NFFAR
Bobby Reyes, President, MEDIABCLA
Doy Heredia, Executive Director, NaFFAA
F R O M: Ernesto M. Gange
SUBJECT: WE MUST EMPOWER THE FILIPINO VETERANS OF WWII NOW.
Necessity compels me to write to you, as we anticipate the First Veterans Planning Conference being organized by the Embassy of the Philippines, HE Ambassador Willy Gaa and Minister-Counselor MGen Delfin N. Lorenzana AFP (Retired) Head, Office of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.
We must respect the sentiments expressed by the Filipino Veterans of WWII, that they must be empowered in their demand for justice. I, too, am aware for the sins of ommision on the part of my Government, the United States of America. We, in the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Inc., is committed to help empower our World Warr II heroes, both at home and in the Philippines.
In this connection, I recommend that the following must be taken into consideration in our plan:
1. That, we in NaFFAA double our effort in mobilizing our National Network.
2. That we identify our members in each Congressional District.
3. That a monthly report is made to measure the progress of our campaign.
4. That we coach our members and continue to encourage them in their volunteer work.
5. That we recruit volunteers in a Congressional District where NaFFAA does not have members.
6. That we collaborate with Asian Americans and other ethnic groups in this effort.
7. That the leadership of the Veterans in the campaign will be respected.
8. That the Embassy of the Philippines and the Head of the Office of Veterans Affairs will provide the stakeholders a monthly progress report of the campaign.
9. That a primary, secondary and alternate plans in developed in the planning conference.
10. That a time frame is determined.
The number of Veterans has drastically dwindled during the past nine years. I hope that our new approach will help them psychologically, the success of which will help them continue to enjoy their golden years.
Sincerely,
Ernesto M. Gange
NaFFAA founding member and
founding Chairman for Pennsylvania
= = =
In a message dated 11/3/2006 6:52:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, fbquesada writes:
Dear Joy, Thanks for your posting. It was not clear who was the real host of the confeence from the out set. However,to me . What is foremost in my mind is that the conference is must respect the veteran's official lobby for Full Equity. Ast. Sec. (Jerry Adevoso) to Pres G.M Arroyo on Veterans Affairs, consented to come on the same understanding as I have said above.
We, the veterans expect that the conference does not in any way alter nor disregard whatever gains have already been accomplished by the veterans lobby conducted with our bi-partisan legislators supporters by way of providing us, veterans as much as what we deserved. The conference must therefore mind that:
(1) We, veterans are the only ones that posses the vested right and property interest, the locus standi ( legal standing ) to pursue our own full equity claim from the US goverment. Not the Naffaa, the ACFV or any other entities not endowed with said attributes mentioned above.
(2) We, veterans are the only that has been chartered by Rep. Act 2640, as the unbrella organization that can represent and speak for our selves, and make decissions in our favor, together and in consonant with full equity ( not piece meal or further retarded settlement ).
(3) We, veterans and our compulsory heirs are the sole legitimate benificiaries of the full equity benefits owed us by the U.S government. and that we,veterans have not deeded ,nor assigned our rights and privileges to any individual or organization what-so-ever.
( 4) We.veterans have not abandoned our full benefits claims for full equity settlement.nor have reognized any third party that have or may have been mispresenting themselves as brokers, of our full equity claims.
(5)That this conference was called principally by the Ambassador to achieve Fil-Am unity of purpose using the Naffaa as a forum ( a bull session). Albeit, not to install Naffaa as the representative or can speak for veterans and their compusory heirs. Let there be no mistake about this !
(6) And that the Philippine Government is a conduit of veterans mandated to assist in the needed diplomatic aspects and of the veteran's inherent vested right and property interests for full equity demand of veterans for full settlement.
(7)That, the Office of Vetrans Affairs (OVA) was created upon the request of veterans to coordinate and protect the demands of veterans from, and with the U.S.government for fair and equitable resolution. Likewise, to consult with the veterans on any or all matters pertinent to vetranism.
It is not mandated, and can not make decisions for, and in behalf of veterans because it is merey a liaison office. The final decision rests upon the preponderant veterans membership of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, through its National Directorate, confirmed by rhe Supreme Council) and the Sons and Daughters of the VFP provided in in the constitution an By-laws of the VFP,and under Republic Act 2640. Let it also be clear tnat whatever recommdendatons,etc., from conferece legislarive committee of Nafaa, is in no way binding to whatever provisions already contained in the full equity bills (HR-4574 and S-146). # # FBQ.
The new Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Willy C. Gaa, is inviting community and veterans’ leaders to a conference at the Philippine Embassy, Washington DC, this coming Dec. 6 and 7. After some exchanges of information, a list may have been drawn as to who supposedly are legitimate representatives of WWII veterans and their cause.
In this connection, I'm taking the liberty of reproducing below a thread of messages in that regard for everyone's information or for whatever purpose this may serve the veterans' interests. I also did a little reformatting and deleted unnecessary email addresses as well as certain portions that include charges about who are real and who are pretenders to the cause which, I think, we can do without at this instance.
November 4, 2006
T O: HE Ambassador Willy Gaa
Alma Quintan Kern, Chairman, NaFFAA Board of
Directors Rozita Lee, NaFFAA Vice Chairman, Board of
Directors Joann Fields, National Youth
Chairman Loida Nicolas Lewis, Chairman Emerita,
NaFFAA
Major General Delfin Lorenzana (Ret.) Head, OVA,
Minister-Counselor
HE Consul General Cecile B. Rebong
NaFFAA Regional Chairmen
R1 - Arnulfo Rosario Sr.
R2 - Bing Branigin,
R3 - Ed Navarra,
R4 - Ernesto Ramos
R5 - Donna La Vigne
R6 - Arlene Macheta
R7 - Tessie Atayde
R8 - Viki Bamba
R9 - Gil Mislang
R10 - Joann Fields
R11 - Dr. Rina Nora
R12 - Ron Menor
Rodel Rodis, Chairman, Issues Committee, NaFFAA
Colonel Frank Quezada (Ret.) Editor/Publisher,
Balitang Veterano
Colonel Pat Ganio, (Ret.) President, ACFV
Franco Arceval, Vice President, ACFV
Commander Gene Mondok, United Filipino
American Veterans
Juan De La Torre, Quartermaster, UFAV
Commander Juan Diaz, Philippine American
Veterans Orgn.
Rudy Nicolas, Director, Association of
Former RP Military Personnels
Peping Baclig, President, Golden Agers of LA
Commander Nick Gadia, Society of Guerillas and Scouts
Commander Greg Villanueva, Veterans Legion
of the Philippines
Vice Commander Victor Siamson. Veterans
Legion of the Philippines
Virginia Conde, President, Ladies Auxillary of UFAV
Aurora Arcibal, Vice President, Ladies Auxillary of UFAV
Cecilia Ramos, Treasurer, UFAV Ladies Auxillary
Art Garcia, President, Justice for Filipino
American Veterans
Commander Sostones Rivera, VFW Post
1063, Pennsylvania Department
Commander Rudy Hermosa, VFW Post,
Massachussetts Department
Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman, U.S. President's
Advisory Commission on AAPI
Eric Lachica, Executive Director, ACFV
Norma Benzon, President Benzon Consulting
Linda Limcaco, President, PNA of Pennsylvania
& New Jersey
Gwen De Vera, President, Chairman,
Filipino American Democrats of NJ
Perry Diaz, President, NFFAR
Bobby Reyes, President, MEDIABCLA
Doy Heredia, Executive Director, NaFFAA
F R O M: Ernesto M. Gange
SUBJECT: WE MUST EMPOWER THE FILIPINO VETERANS OF WWII NOW.
Necessity compels me to write to you, as we anticipate the First Veterans Planning Conference being organized by the Embassy of the Philippines, HE Ambassador Willy Gaa and Minister-Counselor MGen Delfin N. Lorenzana AFP (Retired) Head, Office of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.
We must respect the sentiments expressed by the Filipino Veterans of WWII, that they must be empowered in their demand for justice. I, too, am aware for the sins of ommision on the part of my Government, the United States of America. We, in the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Inc., is committed to help empower our World Warr II heroes, both at home and in the Philippines.
In this connection, I recommend that the following must be taken into consideration in our plan:
1. That, we in NaFFAA double our effort in mobilizing our National Network.
2. That we identify our members in each Congressional District.
3. That a monthly report is made to measure the progress of our campaign.
4. That we coach our members and continue to encourage them in their volunteer work.
5. That we recruit volunteers in a Congressional District where NaFFAA does not have members.
6. That we collaborate with Asian Americans and other ethnic groups in this effort.
7. That the leadership of the Veterans in the campaign will be respected.
8. That the Embassy of the Philippines and the Head of the Office of Veterans Affairs will provide the stakeholders a monthly progress report of the campaign.
9. That a primary, secondary and alternate plans in developed in the planning conference.
10. That a time frame is determined.
The number of Veterans has drastically dwindled during the past nine years. I hope that our new approach will help them psychologically, the success of which will help them continue to enjoy their golden years.
Sincerely,
Ernesto M. Gange
NaFFAA founding member and
founding Chairman for Pennsylvania
= = =
In a message dated 11/3/2006 6:52:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, fbquesada writes:
Dear Joy, Thanks for your posting. It was not clear who was the real host of the confeence from the out set. However,to me . What is foremost in my mind is that the conference is must respect the veteran's official lobby for Full Equity. Ast. Sec. (Jerry Adevoso) to Pres G.M Arroyo on Veterans Affairs, consented to come on the same understanding as I have said above.
We, the veterans expect that the conference does not in any way alter nor disregard whatever gains have already been accomplished by the veterans lobby conducted with our bi-partisan legislators supporters by way of providing us, veterans as much as what we deserved. The conference must therefore mind that:
(1) We, veterans are the only ones that posses the vested right and property interest, the locus standi ( legal standing ) to pursue our own full equity claim from the US goverment. Not the Naffaa, the ACFV or any other entities not endowed with said attributes mentioned above.
(2) We, veterans are the only that has been chartered by Rep. Act 2640, as the unbrella organization that can represent and speak for our selves, and make decissions in our favor, together and in consonant with full equity ( not piece meal or further retarded settlement ).
(3) We, veterans and our compulsory heirs are the sole legitimate benificiaries of the full equity benefits owed us by the U.S government. and that we,veterans have not deeded ,nor assigned our rights and privileges to any individual or organization what-so-ever.
( 4) We.veterans have not abandoned our full benefits claims for full equity settlement.nor have reognized any third party that have or may have been mispresenting themselves as brokers, of our full equity claims.
(5)That this conference was called principally by the Ambassador to achieve Fil-Am unity of purpose using the Naffaa as a forum ( a bull session). Albeit, not to install Naffaa as the representative or can speak for veterans and their compusory heirs. Let there be no mistake about this !
(6) And that the Philippine Government is a conduit of veterans mandated to assist in the needed diplomatic aspects and of the veteran's inherent vested right and property interests for full equity demand of veterans for full settlement.
(7)That, the Office of Vetrans Affairs (OVA) was created upon the request of veterans to coordinate and protect the demands of veterans from, and with the U.S.government for fair and equitable resolution. Likewise, to consult with the veterans on any or all matters pertinent to vetranism.
It is not mandated, and can not make decisions for, and in behalf of veterans because it is merey a liaison office. The final decision rests upon the preponderant veterans membership of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, through its National Directorate, confirmed by rhe Supreme Council) and the Sons and Daughters of the VFP provided in in the constitution an By-laws of the VFP,and under Republic Act 2640. Let it also be clear tnat whatever recommdendatons,etc., from conferece legislarive committee of Nafaa, is in no way binding to whatever provisions already contained in the full equity bills (HR-4574 and S-146). # # FBQ.