About 50 Filipino veterans held a rally at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu yesterday to express their frustration at the U.S. government's failure to provide full benefits as promised.

“;We will never, never surrender,”; said Art Caleda, president of the World War II Filipino-American Veterans-Hawaii chapter.

As Congress prepares to adjourn Friday, veterans and a group of lawmakers rallied at the center's Consuelo Courtyard in a last-ditch effort to urge lawmakers to award them benefits they've long battled for.

Veterans hope that U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, would be successful today in his effort to appeal for a floor vote to restore a provision that awards full benefits to about 18,000 Filipinos.

“;They fought under the U.S. command and helped our country win the war,”; said Akaka's spokesman, Jesse Broder-Van Dyke. “;They played an important role for our country.”;

The provision was removed from Senate Bill 1315 after it was argued that money was being taken away from U.S. veterans and given to foreigners.

During the rally, veterans shouted “;no surrender”; and waved signs calling for equality.

“;They call you heroes, but they don't give you what you fully deserve,”; said Nic Musico, the organization's adviser.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008 yesterday, a measure that would provide a lump sum of $15,000 each to Filipino-American veterans in the U.S. and $9,000 each for Filipino veterans in the Philippines. An estimated two-thirds of the surviving 18,000 Filipino vets live in the Philippines.

But the Filipino-Americans veterans chapter opposes the legislation, saying it is unconstitutional and prevents them from accessing other compensation such as Social Security and benefits for widows. The amount is also much less than what they were promised.

Caleda, 84, who served as an intelligence officer in the 11th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, said the legislation also fails to repeal the Rescissions Act of 1946. While they seek the same military benefits as American servicemen, Caleda said this is also about recognition for their military service.

About 120,000 Filipinos were drafted in 1941 to serve alongside U.S. forces in defending the Philippines, then an American commonwealth. They were promised the same veteran benefits as American servicemen, but Congress rescinded the pledge in 1946 when the Philippines gained independence.

Filipino vets have no access to U.S. health care, pensions and survivor and burial benefits.

Many have died waiting for the government to provide full benefits. Surviving Filipinos are in their 80s.

“;It has been promised to us,”; said Leon Tabaniag, 84, who served as a soldier. “;I hope our benefits will be granted.”;