MT. SAMAT, Pilar, Bataan- Pres. Aquino paid tribute to World War II veterans and present-day soldiers for their dedication during the commemoration of the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan here.
“Beterano at kawal Pilipino, saludo sa inyo ang sambayanang Filipino,” the Chief Executive said. “Maganda ang sinabi ng Pangulo dahil pinupuri niya ang kagitingan namin kaya lang sana dagdagan ang pension namin dahil walang increase, ‘yon din,” WWII veterans Eugenio Ramos of Bulacan and Felimon Villanueva of Quezon Province said.
They added that they are receiving only P6,700 a month which is not enough. Aquino said the government has embarked on a re-validation program to clear the lists of veterans from fake ones. “Sa pagpasok ng taong ito, itinigil natin ang benipisyo ng 22,534 accounts at suspended pa ang 14,616 accounts kaya naibalik ang pension remittance na halagang P396.61 million kaya nitong Marso lumabas na 133,784 ang lehitimong beterano at surviving spouse,” the President said.
He said that the Veterans Memorial Center has served 1,094 veterans in 2013 with medical assistance of P17 million. “Sagot din ang coronary, angiogram at bypass.” The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office has 2,059 student- scholars with qualified dependents receiving P36,000 every year, Aquino said.
He paid tribute not only to World War II veterans but even to soldiers like those defending the disputed Ayungin Shoal. The President, American Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe offered wreaths at the colonnade of the War Memorial Shrine below the huge Memorial Cross.
“We express our heartfelt apology and deep remorse for the sufferings of so many during the war. We vow never to wage war again,” Urabe said, adding that Japan will be happy to work with the Philippines and the United States for a common goal.
“We have to take time to honor and remember our heroes who rendered courage and sacrifi ces,” Goldberg said. He said that the three countries are now allies, ready to help each other.
