REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, _ 939

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

At least eight (8) separate agencies today are working and operating for the welfare of
veterans and military retirees. These include the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO),
the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), the Board of Trustees of the
Veterans of World War I (BTVWWII), the Philippine Veterans Investment and
Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC), the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA), the
Philippine Veterans Bank, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VEP), and the AFP
Retirement and Separation Benefits System (RSBS).

Despite the number of offices working for veterans’ welfare, a lot still remains to be done to
uplift the status of our veterans; majority of whom are now elderly, sick, underprivileged,
disabled, and poor. There are still many reported cases of delayed pensions and double-
listing, and some application for old-aged pension and other benefits are still left pending in
the PVAO.

In the face of these realities, the need for systematic administration of veterans’ benefits is
clear. This bill, therefore, seeks to integrate the agencies working for veterans’ welfare which
have similar functions and mandate. It proposes to abolish the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office (PVAO), the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), and the Board of
Trustees of the Veterans of World War I (BTVWWII), thereby creating the Philippine
Veterans Authority (PVA).

The Authority's main function shall be to harmonize all efforts in generating and maximizing
financial sources and facilities that support all veterans welfare programs designed to
alleviate the plights of our veterans.

The bill, likewise, provides for the creation of a Veterans Welfare Fund which shall guarantee
the continuous payment of benefits and implementation of welfare programs and projects for
veterans and their dependents, especially of continuing health and medical services program.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested.

Magdalo Patt sa Pilipino Party-List


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 939

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN III

AN ACT
INTEGRATING ALL AGENCIES AND OFFICES ON VETERANS WELFARE,
CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS AUTHORITY
(PVA), APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Veterans
Authority Act".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The government recognizes the invaluable
contribution of the veterans as noble defenders of the State. Without whom, the nation and its
people will not be able to enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy today. Such recognition
goes with the government's responsibility to compliment the invaluable devotion, patriotism,
sacrifices, and gallant deeds of veterans with the most responsive and continuing programs
and projects for their care, benefits, and welfare. The State also recognizes the veterans as
equal partners in nation-building who possess potential capabilities for economic progress
and not as mere recipients of government assistance

SEC. 3. Creation of the Philippine Veterans Authority. - There is hereby created a
body to be known as the Philippine Veterans Authority, hereinafter referred to as the
Authority, which shall perform governmental and full propriety functions towards ensuring
the provision of immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance to
veterans and their dependents. The Authority shall be under the Office of the President and
shall maintain its principal office in Metro Manila and establish regional offices as may be
necessary for the proper conduct of its operations.

SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the Authority, - The Authority shall have the
following powers and functions:

1. Initiate and formulate policies on recognition and welfare of Filipino veterans;
2. Formulate and implement a continuing, integrated, and comprehensive privileges and

benefits for veterans and their dependents that will restore the honor and dignity of
veterans here and abroad;


10.

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12.

13.

14,

15.

Discharge all responsibilities of government as may come from treaties, agreements,
and other commitments relative to veterans affairs;

Enter into contracts, either domestic or foreign, under such terms and condition that
are reasonable, just and advantageous to the government in the pursuit of its
objectives and goals.

. Receive and hold bequests, devises, gifts, purchases, or lease, either absolutely or in

trust for any of its purposes from foreign and domestic sources, any asset, grant or
property, real or personal, subject to such limitations as are provided in existing laws
and regulations;

Convey such assets, grants or properties, invest and re-invest the same, as well as deal
with and expand its assets and income in such manner as will best promote its
objectives;

Call on other agencies and instrumentalities of the government and the private sector
for cooperation, support and assistance in the performance of its assigned tasks and
functions;

Pursue the satisfactory resolution of the World War IIFilipino veterans’ outstanding
issues with the U.S. Government;

Formulate and implement a continuing information dissemination program that will
ensure that all veterans and their dependents are aware and knowledgeable of the
ready program of privileges and benefits available to them;

Inculcate into minds of the people a strong sense of nationalism, unity, and love of
country through a national consciousness program focusing on the virtues of veterans
as true patriots who fought for their cherished freedom;

Adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business and enforcement of its
policies, orders, and decisions;

Formulate and promulgate policies, rules, and regulations as may be found necessary
to govern the adjudication of claims for veterans benefits;

Formulate policies, plans, programs, and projects for the administration of a
hospitalization, medical care, and treatment program for the veterans and their
dependents;

Coordinate with any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the
government and private entities or organizations for the purpose of allowing the
veterans to avail themselves of opportunities, facilities, and assistance in pursuit of
their projects, business enterprises, and other economic activities in line with the
national development goals;

Administer and develop national shrines of military significance and cemeteries for
veterans and, for that purpose, enter into agreements or coordinate with the
Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, and other


departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, for the
interdepartmental or inter-agency planning, funding, and execution of the
development plans for said shrines and cemeteries; and

16. Perform such other functions which are not inconsistent with this Act as are necessary
for the effective exercise of the aforementioned functions.

SEC. 5. The Administrator; Qualifications. - The Administrator shall manage the
day-to-day conduct of operations of the Authority. He shall be assisted by a Deputy
Administrator. The Administrator and Deputy Administrator shall be appointed by the
President and shall be entitled to the salary and emoluments of an Undersecretary and Bureau
Director, respectively.

No person shall be appointed Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the
Authority unless they are veterans or military retirees known for their dedication and service,
citizens and residents of the Philippines, of good moral character and with proven
competence in public administration and management, and familiarity with veterans affairs.

SEC. 6. Appointment of Officials/Employees of the Authority. - The Administrator
shall have the power to appoint all officers and employees of the Authority whose
appointment shall be based on merit and fitness and be shall be governed by the Civil Service
Laws and other related laws.

SEC. 7. Abolition of Agencies and Offices on Veterans Welfare. - The existing
agencies administering benefits to veterans such as the Philippines Veterans Office (PVAO),
the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), and the Board of Trustees of the
Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII) are hereby abolished. The powers, functions, all
applicable funds and appropriations, records, assets, and properties of the abolished agencies
are hereby transferred or absorbed by the Authority.

The Authority shall, by virtue of this Act, succeed to all rights and assume all
contracts and liabilities of PVAO, PVAC, and BTVWWII which shall be acted upon in
accordance with the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

Employees separated from the service as a result of the abolition of PVAO, PVAC,
BTVWWII, within six (6) months from their separation from the service, shall receive the
separation benefits to which they are entitled under existing laws and regulations: Provided,
That in hiring applicants to the newly-created agency, priority shall be given to existing
employees to be affected by the reorganization.

SEC. 8. Creation of a Veterans Welfare Fund (VWE). - There is hereby created a
Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) to guarantee the continuous payment of benefits and
implementation of welfare programs and projects for veterans and their dependents,
especially for continuing health and medical services program for veterans. The first of these
programs shall be the entitlement of veterans and their dependents to avail of the services and
facilities of any hospital and medical clinic, both government and private, expenses for which
shall be cared to the VWF in accordance with the guidelines set by the Authority.

The VWF shall be sourced from the remaining balances and accumulated earnings of
the Veterans Claim Settlement Fund, (VCSF) from the United States, Reparations Pay from

3


Japan, and the Sinking Fund for Back-pays, which are hereby transferred to the Authority. It
shall be constituted further by income from the operations Veterans Memorial Medical
Center (VMMC) and donations from veterans’ organizations and foreign and domestic
entities.

Twenty percent (20%) of the net profits of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), after
deducting its guaranteed earnings of the preferred shares, shall be remitted directly to the
Authority and shall form part of the Veterans Welfare Fund.

Fifty percent (50%) of the cash dividends pertaining to the shares of the Government
in the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC) shall be
automatically applied to the payment of the subscription of the Government until fully paid
for, and the balance over to the Authority and shall form part of the Veterans Welfare Fund
(VWF).

All veterans’ funds being administered by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and
other agencies and which are not encumbered or earmarked for any individual veteran or
organization shall constitute the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) to be placed under the
administration, management, and control of the Authority.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is hereby authorized to hold
annually a sweepstakes draw exclusively for the benefit of the Authority. The whole proceeds
of the sweepstakes draw shall, after deducting the payment of the prizes and expenses as
provided in Section 6 of Republic Act No. 1169, as amended, be turned over to the Authority
to form part of the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF).

SEC. 9. Organizational Structure of the Authority. - The Administrator of the
Authority is hereby authorized to formulate and adopt an organizational structure for the
Authority, including the creation of regional offices, whenever necessary, for the efficient
and effective discharge of its powers and functions. Essentially, the organizational structure
of the Authority shall complement the following components:

1. Veterans Health Service and Research Administration;

2. Veterans Benefits Administration;

3. National Memorial Affairs;

4, Budgetary and Financial Management;

5. Information Resources Management;

6. Personnel Management and Labor Relations;

7. Capital Facilities and Real Property Program; and

8. Planning, Studies, Evaluation.


There shall be separate bureaus created in the Authority for each of Veterans Health
Service and Research Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National
Memorial Affairs.

The staffing pattern of the Authority shall be prescribed by the Administrator, in
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by Civil Service Commission and the
Department of Budget and Management, within sixty (60) days after the approval of this Act.
Authorized positions created therein shall be filled by regular appointments by the President
or the Administrator as the case may be: Provided, however, That such individuals comply
with the qualifications standards set by the Civil Service Commission for the position that
they shall be appointed to.

SEC. 10. Creation of Adjudication Body. - There is hereby created an Adjudication
Body to hear and decide cases in connection with veterans’ affairs. Such Adjudication Body
shall be composed of the Administrator as Chairman and four (4) associate members, two (2)
of whom shall be lawyers, and have extensive knowledge of veterans affairs. Such
Adjudication Body shall hear and determine any veterans claim or complaint filed in
accordance with the procedure to be formulated by the Body, subject to the approval of the
President and Congress.

SEC. 11. Disability Rating Board. - A Disability Rating Board of three members
composed of a physician, a lawyer, and a layman who is well versed in veterans’ laws, rules
and regulations, under the direct supervision of the Administrator, is hereby created in the
Authority. This Board shall be a fulltime body and shall determine the extent of the disability
of the person applying for disability pension based on findings and recommendations of any
authorizedCertificate of Disability Discharge Board (CDD) and all clinical records in
accordance with the Scheduled Rating Disabilities approved by the Administrator or such
other schedule which may subsequently be promulgated by him, except for conditions as
hereunder provided. A majority vote of the members of the Board shall be sufficient to
sustain the rating of any individual case: Provided, however, That in the case of officers and
enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines a certification by the Secretary of
National Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the
Philippines as to the military status and service connection of the disability of the person
applying for disability pension, shall be binding and conclusive upon the Board.

SEC. 12. The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). - The Veterans
Memorial Medical Center shall become a bureau under the control and supervision of the
Administrator as a medical facility for hospitalization, medical care, treatment, rehabilitation,
research, and medical education for the promotion of the health and welfare of veterans, their
dependents, and other persons authorize to receive medical attention.

The VMMC shall be headed by a Director and shall have a professional staff and
administrative staff.

The VMMC shall formulate and implement a continuing health and medical services
program for veterans and their dependents pursuant to Republic Act No. 6948 as amended by
Republic Act No. 7696 and in compliance with the particular objective and priority program
behind the creation of the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) as provided for in Section 10 of this
Act.


SEC. 13. Administration and Development of National Shrines of Military
Significance and Veterans Mortuaries and Cemeteries. - The Authority shall be responsible
for the administration, maintenance, and development of Corregidor Island, Dambana ng
Kagitingan and Mt. Samat in Bataan, Bantayog ng Kiangan in Ifugao and such other historic
battlefields of military significance, military veterans cemeteries/mortuaries, memorials and
other facilities as may hereafter be determined and placed under its responsibility For this
purpose, the Administrator shall organize the corresponding bureau under the Authority and
may call on any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the government for
such assistance as may be necessary in the preparation and execution of plans or in the
maintenance of the services to be established and shall furthermore, take appropriate action
for the conduct of studies and preparation of a general program for the development of
national parks embracing all the historic areas of military significance, and recommend to the
President a plan for appropriate memorials or monuments whenever they are deemed
desirable, taking into account the topography, vegetation, degree of environmental
disturbances, and historical background of the places selected for the purpose.

SEC. 14. Office of Veterans Affairs in the US. - An Office of Veterans Affairs is
established in the Philippine Embassy in the United States of America to pursue the claims of
Filipino veterans of World War II for the full restoration of their rights, privileges, and
benefits from the United States Government.

For the attainment of this goal, the Office of Veterans Affairs is mandated with the
task of making formal representations, consultations and negotiations with appropriate offices
of the United States of America Executive and Legislative branches.

The Office shall have a staff consisting of the Head of Office appointed by the
President of the Philippines, two administrative assistants assigned by the Administrator and
such other locally hired personnel as the Head of Office may find necessary.

SEC. 15. Inter-agency Committees. - Upon the request of the Authority or any of its
Bureaus, all government agencies involved in the approval and implementation of projects of
the Authority or its duly authorized or endorsed entities, whether government or private, shall
expeditiously act upon and resolve the matter subject to the approval of the President. The
Administrator may, whenever necessary, initiate the activation of an ad hoc interagency
committee for an efficient and effective orchestration of efforts of concerned entities in the
implementation of programs, projects, and activities of the Authority.

SEC. 16. Transitory Provision. - The officers and employees of the PVAO, PVAC,
and BTVWWII shall continue in a holdover capacity until such time as the new officers and
employees of the Authority shall have been duly appointed pursuant to the provisions of this
Act.

SEC. 17. Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, the appropriations
for the current fiscal year as well as the existing funds, assets, and resources of the transferred
and abolished offices mention in Section 9 hereof shall be transferred to the Authority to
include the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) mentioned in Section 10 of this Act. Thereafter,
such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in
the Annual General Appropriations Act.


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SEC. 18, Repealing Clause. - All laws or parts thereof which are inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 19. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect.

SEC. 20. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,