Jinggoy Estrada: Bill raising military veterans’ disability pension now a law

FILE PHOTO: Senator Jinggoy Estrada —Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — The bill proposing an increase in the disability pension of military veterans and their beneficiaries is now a law, Senator Jinggoy Estrada announced Friday.

“The long-awaited enactment of the bill increasing veterans’ disability pension by as much as 488 percent marks a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation,” he said in a statement.

A document released by Estrada’s office showed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the measure on Thursday, August 24. It is called Republic Act No. 11958, or “An Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their dependents.”

Under the new law, a veteran’s disability benefit is raised to P4,500 from the current P1,000 – an increase of 350 percent. Hence, veterans receiving the highest disability benefit of P1,700 would now get P10,000 (488 percent increase) based on the new law.

READ: Estrada seeks increase in veterans’ disability pension

As for the monthly pension of a veteran’s spouse and unmarried minor child/children, each would receive P1,000 – a 100 percent increase from P500 – because of the recently approved decree.

“Malaking tulong pinansyal ito para sa kanila at sa kanilang mga dependents dahil sa bawat piso na ipinangtutustos nila sa mga pambili ng gamot at pangangailangang medikal, napapalawig natin ang panahon na makapiling nila ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Estrada said.

(This is a great financial help for them and their dependents because we are extending the time they spend with their loved ones with every peso they spend for medicine and medical needs.)

READ: Military veterans’ disability pension now only worth P287 – Estrada

Estrada added that the law will “impact and uplift” the lives of many Filipino families.

“By supporting our veterans, we honor their legacy, strengthen their dignity, and provide them the comfort they deserve in their golden years,” he said.

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