Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City (Photo from Radyo Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Senators approved on Monday a measure raising the disability pension of military veterans.
Voting 21-0-0, the upper chamber passed Senate Bill No. 1480 on the third and final reading, which seeks to amend the law standardizing and upgrading the benefits of veterans and their beneficiaries.
“Our veterans who sustained disabilities and injuries in their line of duty have long waited for this legislation to update the monthly disability pension rates, which have remained unchanged for 29 years,” said Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate national defense and security, peace, unification, and reconciliation.
Estrada saw the proposed measure as a means of “honoring our military and war veterans who served and defended the country in their prime and ensuring that they and their families are accorded adequate benefits and assistance in their twilight years.”
According to Estrada’s office, the following increases for the disability pension of military veterans are being sought:
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, said the measure’s passage is “a testament that the government has not and will never forget the sacrifices of our veterans.”
“No amount of monetary compensation can ever reward their service and dedication. However, let us not deny our heroes of the compensation and appreciation they so rightfully deserve. To show our gratitude, we shall ensure that our veterans receive a pension that will be adequate for their everyday needs, including medical [necessities],” he said.
While the Senate has approved the proposed legislation, its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives remains pending at the committee level.