Community Comment : Filipino Soldier: ‘We Were Abandoned’

When I enlisted, I never thought of monetary benefits. It was a noble cause and I had to do my share.

We lacked the necessary logistics--arms, food, uniforms, all of that. The Japanese were broadcasting that California was bombed, that they were already invading the U.S. mainland--all sorts of propaganda about the tide of the war. We did not know who to believe. We had nothing to rely on except (Gen. Douglas) MacArthur’s promise that he would return.

When MacArthur did return, we were promised the same privileges and allowances as an American soldier--that we would have the GI Bill of Rights and allowances paid to us. But when liberation came, we were abandoned, so to speak. We kept quiet and said, “Well, probably America is trying to recover also.” But then America made Japan a very rich country. That hurt.

We asked for our benefits. The United States said, “No. You should understand that you were with the Commonwealth Army, which was with the United States Army but not in it.” In my case, the United States paid my back pay at two pesos to the dollar. They did not base it on the American pay rate.

They promised (American) citizenship. But then they said, “Well, you did not take advantage of that offer in 1945-’46 and now you are not entitled.”

As we commemorate the anniversary of the (Philippine) liberation, there is really a conflict of emotion. We are thankful for all the things America has done for us. Many, but not all, Filipino veterans have managed to become citizens.

But we are trying to take due process. We’ve gone to court and won some battles. We go to Congress. We lobby. The time will come when everything will be compensated.