P20-B fund sought for uniformed services
EYES ON THE TROOPS Photo taken on Dec. 20, 2024, shows the military parade highlighting the 89th founding anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. —Marianne Bermudez
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Francis Escudero is pushing for the creation of a P20-billion trust fund under a law that will cover the comprehensive social benefits of all uniformed service personnel and their loved ones.
According to him, this is in recognition of the uniformed service personnel’s sacrifices for providing security and keeping peace and order in the country.
He noted that efforts have been made in the past to uplift the lives of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police and other uniformed personnel, including raising their salaries and giving them more benefits.
However, Escudero said these came in the form of executive issuances and as such are subject to change or even cancellation.
READ: Uniformed personnel to receive free legal aid under new law
Under Senate Bill No. 276, however, the Senate President wants these institutionalized under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) that will cover members of the PNP, AFP, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu), Cafgu Active Auxiliary, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections and the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as their dependents.
Allowable use of fund
The proposed measure will establish a CSBP trust fund that will be maintained and used exclusively for the benefit of uniformed service personnel and their dependents.
“It is about time that we look after the welfare of the people who have been keeping us safe. We vow to constantly look for ways to thank them for their service,” he said.
The P20-billion trust fund will be tapped to finance lump sum financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries in the event of death or total permanent disability suffered in the performance of their respective functions and educational assistance in the form of scholarship programs and study grants.
It will also be used for financial aid for home construction, rehabilitation, or improvement of qualified beneficiaries, as well as health and medical assistance under the universal health program and other relevant programs under the Department of Health. /cb
