Duterte orders DBM, DND to expedite early release of AFP retirees' pensions

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the early release of P6.421 billion worth of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retirees' pensions as he spoke at the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites on Sunday.

In an event made to honor Filipino soldiers in World War II, Duterte directed the Budget Department and the Defense Department to speed up the early release of AFP retirees' pension credentials covering fiscal years 2008 to 2013.

Duterte issued the order at the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan Commemoration held at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor commemorates the fall of Bataan in World War II, which led to the death of thousands of Filipino veterans who were captured by the Japanese.

The government defines veterans as any person who rendered military service in the revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, World War II, the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea, and the Philippine Civic Action Group or Philippine Contingent in Vietnam.

Based on the Defense Department record, out of the more than 300 thousand Filipino soldiers who fought during World War 2, only 8,000 are still alive. It also estimates that 300 of them die every month due to complications caused by old age or sickness like pneumonia.

In his speech, the President thanked the former soldiers for the sacrifices they'd made for the nation.

"We must never forget that we owe them (veterans) a deep debt of gratitude. Utang po natin sa kanila ang ating buhay at pansamantalang ating bayan [We owe them our lives and, for a time, our nation]," the President said.

He added, while the government would never be able to repay veterans enough, it is working hard to speed up their entitlements and ensure they have better living conditions.

"Our surviving veterans have suffered much. They should not suffer more. In the twilight of their years, they deserve a better life," said Duterte.

Duterte said the government has taken steps to improve benefits for veterans and their dependents in fields such as education and health.

The government has settled the backlog in disability pensions, as well as boosted efficiency for the management of nearly 200,000 pension accounts. It has also subsidized the education of more than 2,500 veterans' dependents through the Iskolar ng Bayan program.

The President has also ordered the improvement of services and facilities at the 152 veteran-accredited hospitals where veterans and their dependents can get free healthcare.

He said the government is working to elevate living standards for veterans, who have done so much for the nation.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, The Department of National Defense said it was working with the Department of Budget Management to form a technical working group to address the directive.

It said the DND, along with the DBM and AFP officials will form the group  to determine and vet the pension benificiaries.

The DND assured the vetting process would not hamper the President's orders for expedited payment of the pension.

It added, once it is completed, funds will be released to the eligible beneficiaries in their pension accounts.

[Source]