All cops’ kids to enjoy benefits

All surviving children of policemen who are deceased or permanently incapacitated may now enjoy scholarship assistance from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

The agency issued a new memorandum circular expanding the coverage of the scholarship benefits for Philippine National Police dependents.

Under the circular, the Napolcom scholarship assistance shall be granted to both legitimate and illegitimate children of deceased or permanently incapacitated policemen.

Previously, only legitimate children of PNP personnel could avail themselves of scholarships, which now cover the K to 12 basic education program.

Napolcom scholars are now entitled to P10,000 for Kindergarten; P18,000 for elementary school; P24,000 for high school; P18,000 for vocational school; and P30,000 per semester for college.

Napolcom Vice Chair Eduardo Escueta said the agency would only release the scholarship assistance either through reimbursement or direct payment to the school.

Under Republic Act No. 6963, which grants special financial assistance and benefits to beneficiaries of slain uniformed personnel, there are two types of benefits, special financial assistance to the family and scholarship assistance to children.

Special financial benefits like gratuity equivalent to one year’s salary, survivorship pension and burial expenses are exclusively enjoyed by the legal spouse and legitimate children. Julie M. Aurelio