Dearest sisters and brothers,

Think.

S.1315 - The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act - (correction: not H.R. 760) has passed overwhelmingly in the Senate of the United States (96-1) and has yet to be called for a vote in the House of Representatives.

In this crucial point in history, we must remember that in 1941 our Filipino veterans were called to fight side by side with U.S. troops during World War II. To this day, 67 years later, our Filipino veterans still have not received the benefits and equity promised to them that they rightfully and justly deserve.

Congress convenes for a month long recess on July 31 to return to session on September 8. We MUST make sure that the bill is called for a vote on the floor BEFORE JULY 31 or else the momentum for passing (particularly before the presidential election) will be significantly diminished.

Together, by calling our respective Congresspeople, we can help S.1315 pass in the House of Representatives.

Act.

Have faith that your call CAN and WILL make a difference politically and that it will not go unheard by following these FIVE easy steps:

1) Type your zip code in the following link (including the +4 additional digits if you know them):
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

2) Call the phone number of your Representative's Washington DC office.

3) Introduction: "Hi can I speak to your legislative aide who handles veterans affairs?"

4) Speak to the staff member or leave a message stating: "Hi I'm calling because I would like Congressman ___________ to support S.1315 - The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act, I'm a constituent of the Congressman's district."

5) BUT, that's not all. Ask them, "Now would you be able to confirm for me the Congressman's stance on the Fil Vets bill?

It is that simple.

Reflect.

Think of the power and change that you have just made in making ONE SIMPLE PHONE CALL, practicing your innate and fundamental democratic right, and more importantly utilizing the most significant tool for change: your voice.

Now calculate all those seconds you spent yelling chants in protest at the top of your lungs; the minutes of tears that you shed hearing the tragic stories of our veterans; the hours of all the meetings, forums, rallies, protests, and community events you have attended; and MULTIPLY that by all of the YEARS that our Filipino veterans have gone and STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE EQUITY THEY DESERVE.

Turn that frustration, that anger and that PASSION into POLITICAL ACTION.

PLEASE, for the sake of our veterans, MAKE THAT CALL.

Isang bagsak,

Jason Tengco
Advocate for Justice for Filipino American Veterans

A CALL TO ACTION:

July 20, 2008

Dear friends, comrades and all activists:
Militant and a determined greetings!

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, students, youth and community advocates calls on all Filipinos, Filipino Americans and allies to write to Speaker of the House Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and 245 congresspersons to discuss and pass the equity bill, S.1315 pending before the lower house of the US Congress, NOW!

Last July 18 and 19, during the emergency conference of the JFAV, Filipino veterans groups like PAVA-SC, SGS and UFAV with the Washington ACFV we decided to ask for a vote on the HR 760 on the floor of the US Congress. This is after a long wait and the promise of Speaker Pelosi that " if we got 290 votes she will put the bill on the floor." We feel that at most we have 220 votes to pass the bill. Waiting for 290 will just delay the bill to eternity.

For four times, Congressman Bob Filner and Pelosi promised to pass the bill for the last two years to no avail.

Please e-mail, write them letters, and call or fax their offices for them to act on the bill ASAP. The US Congress is ending its session by August 31. Remember it's election time this year. Do let not the elections sidetrack our advocacy for our veterans.

On the 67th anniversary of the conscription of the Filipinos into the USAFFE, let's make our voices be heard!

JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW!
KUNG HINDI NGAYON, KAILAN PA!

For the Justice for the Filipino Americans (JFAV)
Mang Peping Baclig and Arturo Garcia, coordinators
and the JFAV Steering Commitee

JFAV Community Forum on Veterans Equity
Friday, July 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
At the SIPA Community Room
3200 W. Temple St. (Corner of Dillion St/Robinson St)
Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026

SamaHANGout with us this summer! Drop by the Samahang Pilipino table at the UCLA Freshman and Transfer Orientations and say hello! You can usually catch us around Bruin Walk or on the Ackerman Union patio (during the Freshman Orientations only). Learn more about the organization, meet some of the members, sign up for a SPEAR counselor and more!

Upcoming orientation sessions: Freshman 104 (7/23), Transfer 204 (7/28), Freshman 105 (7/29), Transfer 205 (8/1), Freshman 106 (8/4), Transfer 206 (8/7), Freshman 107 (8/10), Freshman 108 (8/13), Transfer 207 (8/18), Freshman 109 (8/19), Freshman 110 (8/24), Freshman 111 (8/27)

Thanks to those of you who stopped by our table during Orientation Session 102! It was great meeting all of you. Please add us on Facebook and sign up for our mailing list to stay updated on news and upcoming events for the summer and the school year.




Shout out to Justin for dropping by at Orientation 102!

Congratulations to our new board for the upcoming school year!


Photo credit: Misha Tsukerman

Samahang Pilipino Executive Board 2008-2009
President - Emily Bautista
Internal Vice President - Rose Lyn Castro
External Vice President - Jason Tengco
Administrative Coordinator - Sai-Han Ackerman
Financial Coordinator - Matthew Uy
Outreach Coordinator - Mark Jimenez
Retention Coordinator - Lorali Delos Reyes
Education Coordinator - Michael De Vera
SPCN Coordinator - Kimi Gutierrez
Cultural Coordinator - Abigail Faelnar
Community Projects Coordinator - Anna Sterling
Activities Coordinator - John Christian "JC" De Vera
Pinays Coordinator - Honeylette Barros
Kabalikat Coordinator - Roger Reyes
Youth Component Co-Coordinator - Katrina Dela Cruz
Youth Component Co-Coordinator - Chester Abadilla
Asian Pacific Coalition Representative - Frances Borgona

Get to know your new board! Contact us here.