A war veteran receiving pension from the U.S. government complained yesterday about a discrepancy in the amount deposited in his bank account and the notice of payment he received from the U.S. Social Security Office.

Felipe Fuentebella, 84, said he was supposed to receive $567.50 for his Special Veterans Benefits but the amount credited by the Bank of the Philippine Islands to his account was only $493.43.

He said the U.S. Social Security Office increases the veterans' benefits every year and he was informed about the amount he will receive effective January 2008 in a November 25, 2007 letter from the agency.

Fuentebella added he noticed the discrepancy in his monthly pension since he came back to the Philippines in 2000 after a three-year stay at the U.S.

He said he sought an explanation from the personnel of the BPI but he was told they can not help him and he should channel his queries through the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Social Security Office.

Paciano Paciente, BPI-Araneta head, said the bank always extends its assistance to all its clients regardless of the market segment they belong to.

He said the bank will help Fuentebella verify the entries in his account as soon as he presents the necessary papers.

Paciente said veterans' pensions, from the U.S. follow the fund transfer procedure and the amount deposited in their account is the actual amount due them.

Meanwhile, Fuentebella said he is complaining about the discrepancy in his pension to help other war veterans realize that they are being deprived of the full amount due them.*NAB

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