Revilla calls for a new round of increase in war veterans' monthly pension

Just months after the enactment of a law providing a P15,000-monthly increase to Filipino war veterans, another round of increase is being proposed to be granted to them, their dependents included this time.

Sen. Bong Revilla has filed a bill seeking a P3,000 increase in the monthly pension of war veterans.

In filing Senate Bill No. 456, Revilla cited the State's policy in providing immediate and adequate care, benefits and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans.

"This bill aims to further this policy by increasing the monthly pension due our war veterans by P3,000. This will be of great help to our veterans and their dependents during these trying times where the cost of our basic necessities is at an all-time high," the senator said.

"More than the monetary value of this proposed measure, we are showing our veterans that to this day, we have not forgotten their loyalty and bravery," Revilla added.

Under the measure, the monthly pension shall be granted directly to the war veteran and in case of death, his pension shall be released in favor of his surviving spouse and in case of the latter's incapacity, to the oldest legitimate child of the war veteran.

The amount necessary for the implementation of the measure will be included in the yearly appropriations of the Department of National Defense (DND).

"Our nation will forever be grateful for the sacrifices they have made for the Filipino people. This act institutionalizes the gratitude of a nation who will never forget those who came before them," said Revilla.

It was only on Dec. 20 last year that the law increasing the P5,000 monthly old-age pension of veterans of World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War was increased to P20,000 following President Duterte's signing of RA 11164.

This law, however, covers only the eligible living senior veterans and their pensions are not transferable to any of their family members or dependents.