A measure increasing the monthly pension of Filipino veterans from the present P5,000 to P10,000 has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Under House Bill 6230, authored by Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare and Liberal Party Rep. Herminia B. Roman of Bataan, a veteran who is at least 65 years of age shall be paid an old-age pension of P10,000 monthly for life, unless he is actually receiving a similar pension for the same consideration from other government funds.
The lawmaker said the current pension of P5,000 enacted almost 21 years ago is clearly not enough to meet the basic necessities for decent living.
“The veterans have sacrificed much for the county. They invested blood, sweat and tears and, in return, it is only fitting that we repay their service by taking care of them in their old age,” Roman added.
She also said the veterans have dedicated their lives in the service of the country. “They should be able to live out the rest of their days comfortably without worrying about their basic needs,” she said.
“Sad to say that, at present, our veterans face a new challenge, which is the hardships of old age along with meager resources that they must stretch in order to survive,” Roman said.
According to Roman, the proposed increase of benefits for the veterans is a way to show the nation’s grateful appreciation of their bravery, service and sacrifice.
“We must recompense them in a manner more fitting to what they have given,” she said.
“By giving them due importance to what they have done in the past, we show citizens, especially the youth, what the nation values—the traits of heroism, love of country and patriotism,” she added.