Filipino war veterans' kin line up early for US benefits

MANILA, Philippines - Kin of Filipino war veterans lined up at the offices of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) early Thursday to avail of the $9,000 lump sum from the United States government. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that many of those who lined up even before dawn were widows of war veterans who did not know beforehand that were initially ineligible. The report said relatives of living war veterans voiced fears their loved ones may not live long enough to receive the lump sum. As of 7 a.m., personnel at the PVAO office in Camp Aguinaldo started offering instant coffee to those who lined up early. "Ngayon hanggang Feb. 17, 2010 itong mga buhay muna ang bibigyan ng priority at makaka-apply lang sa mga Amerikano [From now until Feb. 17, 2010, we will have to prioritize the veterans who are still alive]," defense undersecretary Ernesto Carolina said in an interview on dzBB radio. But he urged relatives of deceased veterans not to lose hope, saying the Philippine government will still fight for other benefits for them. He said the PVAO is also working to give them "collateral entitlements" like hospitalization and health insurance benefits. Meanwhile, at the United States embassy in Manila, dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that personnel set up large white tents and industrial fans to accommodate those applying for the sum. Security personnel were also in place in time for the start of receiving of applications at 8 a.m. - GMANews.TV