Lawmakers ‘astounded’ Filipino WWII veterans denied for benefits

A handful of Filipino-American patriots in Las Vegas cheered on members of Congress Tuesday for insisting that the nation must follow through on a promise.

They watched a broadcast of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., declaring themselves “astounded” and angry that a program set up to benefit soldiers who fought alongside Americans in World War II denied payments to more than half the applicants.

Among the Nevada group were two veterans dressed in military fatigues and “World War II Veteran” caps.

Aurelio De La Cruz, 85, was approved for the benefit. But Anastacio Sumajit, 88, is appealing his denied application.