QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 1889)
RA 1889 creates a Commission to process, determine, screen, and adjudicate all unsettled claims of Filipino veterans, including negotiating for additional benefits for them from the Government of the United States, in coordination with Philippine agencies.
It cites Executive Order No. 21 (Oct. 28, 1944) of President Osmeña, and that its provisions were embodied in USAFFE Headquarters Circular No. 100 (Nov. 17, 1944), with partial implementation by the United States government.
It states that many Filipino veterans who served under a properly appointed/recognized commander were not extended the rights and privileges of recognized guerrilla organizations; additionally, it references about 5,000 claims processed and approved by the R.P.D. but not paid for unjustified reasons, and claims unjustly denied by the R.P.D.
A “Veterans Claims Commission” is created, under the Office of the President.
It consists of one Chairman and two Members, appointed by the President with the approval of the Commission on Appointments.
The Chairman receives an annual compensation of P12,000 and each Member receives P10,000.
All must be citizens of the Philippines. At least one member must be a veteran of the last World War in good standing, and another must be a member of the bar who has practiced law for at least five years or held an office in the Philippine government requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable requisite.
The Commission may (1) appoint its own personnel and fix their compensation; (2) prescribe rules and regulations to implement the Act; and (3) with presidential approval, establish branch offices in Washington, D.C. or send representatives to the United States to work for benefits for Filipino veterans. It also may request the U.S. government directly or through the President or the Philippine Ambassador in the U.S. to turn over papers/evidence or certified copies of veterans’ claim records that were filed with the R.P.D. but denied.
All records of the defunct Screen Board are to be turned over to the Commission.
Any person who files a false claim, or certifies to such claim knowing it to be false, is imprisoned for a period of six to twelve years.
All claims must be disposed of within three years from the date of the approval of the Act.
P300,000 is authorized to be appropriated out of funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to carry out the provisions of the Act.
The Commission must render a report within one year from the approval of the Act stating the amount needed to pay in cash or in certificates the claims of veterans and their widows and orphans.
The necessary amount may be included in the annual Appropriation Act, based on the Commission’s report.
It directs the Commission not only to process and adjudicate claims but also to “work and make negotiations for more benefits for Filipino veterans” from the U.S. government, in conjunction with diplomatic or other Philippine government agencies working for the veterans.
It takes effect upon its approval.