FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
I 
182 
s. NO. __ 
---.:.::_ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
At least eight separate agencies today are working and operating for the welfare of veterans and 
military retirees. These include the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PV AO), the Philippine 
Veterans Assistance Commission (PVAC), the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War 
II (BTVWWII), the Philippine Veterans Investment and Development Corporation 
(PIDVIDEC), the PIDVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA), the Philippine Veterans Bank, the 
Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), 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 PV AO. 
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 11 (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 fur 
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 
~~~\~ 
A 
10 "SONNY" F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
dJ 
SENATE 
S. NO. ----,10:...;8,,-,,2::-
{ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Veterans 
2 
Authority Act ". 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The government recognizes the invaluable contribution 
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of the veterans as noble defenders of the State. Without whom, the nation and its people will not 
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be able to enjoy the fiuits of freedom and democracy today. Such recognition goes with the 
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government's responsibility to compliment the invaluable devotion, patriotism, sacrifices, and 
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gallant deeds of veterans with the most responsive and continuing programs and projects for their 
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care, benefits, and welfare. The State also recognizes the veterans as equal partners in nation-
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building who possess potential capabilities for economic progress and not as mere recipients of 
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government assistance 
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SEC. 3. Creation of the Philippines Veterans Authority. - There is hereby created a 
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body to be known as the Philippine Veterans Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority 
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which shall perform governmental and full propriety functions towards ensuring the provision of 
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immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance to veterans and their 
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dependents. The Authority shall be under the Office of the President and shall maintain its 
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principal office in Metro Manila and establish regional offices as may be necessary for the 
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proper conduct of its operations. 
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SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the Authority. - The Authority shall have the 
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following powers and functions: 
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1) Initiate and formulate policies on recognition and welfare of Filipino veterans; 
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2) Formulate and implement a continuing, integrated, and comprehensive privileges and 
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benefits for veterans and their dependents that will restore the honor and dignity of veterans 
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here and abroad; 
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3) Discharge all responsibilities of government as may come from treaties, agreements, 
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and other commitments relative to veterans affairs; 
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4) Enter into contracts, either domestic or foreign, under such terms and condition that 
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are reasonable, just and advantageous to the Government in the pursuit of its objectives and 
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goals, 
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5) Receive and hold bequests, devises, gifts, purchases, or lease, either absolutely or in 
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trust for any of its purposes from foreign and domestic sources, any asset, grant or property, 
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real or personal, subject to such limitations as are provided in existing laws and regulations; 
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6) Convey such assets, grants or properties, invest and re-invest the same, as well as deal 
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with and expand its assets and income in such manner as will best promote its objectives; 
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7) Call on other agencies and instrumentalities of the government and the private sector 
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for cooperation, support and assistance in the performance of its assigned tasks and 
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functions; 
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8) Pursue the satisfactory resolution of the World War II Filipino veterans' outstanding 
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issues with the u.s. Government; 
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9) Formulate and implement a continuing information dissemination program that will 
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ensure that all veterans and their dependents are aware and knowledgeable of the ready 
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program of privileges and benefits available to them; 
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10) Inculcate into minds of the people a strong sense of nationalism, unity, and love of 
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country through a national consciousness program focusing on the virtues of veterans as true 
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patriots who fought for their cherished freedom; 
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11) Adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business and enforcement of its 
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policies, orders, and decisions; 
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12) Formulate and promulgate policies, rules, and regulations as may be found necessary 
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to govern the adjudication of claims for veterans benefits; 
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13) Formulate policies, plans, programs, and projects for the administration of a 
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hospitalization, medical care, and treatment program for the veterans and their dependents; 
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14) Coordinate with any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the 
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government and private entities or organizations for the purpose of allowing the veterans to 
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avail themselves of opportunities, facilities, and assistance in pursuit of their projects, 
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business enterprises, and other economic activities in line with the national development 
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goals; 
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15) Administer and develop national shrines of military significance and cemeteries for 
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veterans and, for that purpose, enter into agreements or coordinate with the Department of 
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Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, and other departments, agencies, and 
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instrumentalities of the government, for the interdepartmental or inter-agency planning, 
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funding, and execution of the development plans for said shrines and cemeteries; and 
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16) Perform such other functions which are not inconsistent with this Act as are 
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necessary for the effective exercise of the aforementioned functions. 
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SEC. 5. The Administrator; Qualifications. - The Administrator shall manage the day-
S 
to-day conduct of operations of the Authority. He shall be assisted by a Deputy Administrator. 
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The Administrator and Deputy Administrator shall be appointed by the President and shall be 
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entitled to the salary and emoluments of an Undersecretary and Bureau Director, respectively. 
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No person shall be appointed Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Authority 
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unless they are veterans or military retirees known for their dedication and service, citizens and 
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residents of the Philippines, of good moral character and with proven competence in public 
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administration and management, and familiarity with veterans affairs. 
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SEC. 6. Appointment of Officials! Employees of the Authority. - The Administrator 
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shall have the power to appoint all officers and employees of the Authority whose appointment 
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shall be based on merit and fitness and be shall be governed by the Civil Service Laws and other 
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related laws. 
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SEC. 7. Abolition of Agencies and Offices on Veterans Welfare. - The existing agencies 
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administering benefits to veterans such as the Philippines Veterans Office (PVAO), the 
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Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission (PV AC), and the Board of Trustees of the Veterans 
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ofWorid War II (BTVWWII) are hereby abolished. The powers, functions, all applicable funds 
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and appropriations, records, assets, and properties of the abolished agencies are hereby 
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transferred or absorbed by the Authority. 
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The Authority shall, by virtue of this Act, succeed to all rights and assume all contracts 
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and liabilities of PV AD, PV AC, and BTVWWII which shall be acted upon in accordance with 
3 
the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. 
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Employees separated from the service as a result of the abolition of PV AD, PV AC, 
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BTVWWII shall, within six (6) months from their separation from the service, receive the 
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separation benefits to which they are entitled under existing laws and regulations: Provided, That 
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in hiring applicants to the newly-created agency, priority shall be given to existing employees to 
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be affected by the reorganization. 
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SEC. 8. Creation of a Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF)). - There is hereby created a 
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Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) to guarantee the continuous payment of benefits and 
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implementation of welfare programs and projects for veterans and their dependents, especially 
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for continuing health and medical services program for veterans. The first of these programs 
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shall be the entitlement of veterans and their dependents to avail of the services and facilities of 
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any hospital and medical clinic, both government and private, expenses for which shall be cared 
16 
to the VWF in accordance with the guidelines set by the Authority. 
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The VWF shall be sourced from the remaining balances and accumulated earnings of the 
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Veterans Claim Settlement Fund, (VCSF) from the United States, Reparations Pay from Japan, 
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and the Sinking Fund for Backpays, which are hereby transferred to the Authority. It shall be 
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constituted further by income from the operations Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) 
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and donations from veterans organizations and foreign and domestic entities. 
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Twenty percent (20%) of the net profits of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PW), after 
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deducting its guaranteed earnings of the preferred shares, shall be remitted directly to the 
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Authority and shall form part of the Veterans Welfare Fund. 
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Fifty percent (50%) of the cash dividends pertaining to the shares of the Government in 
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the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (PlllVIDEC) shall be 
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automatically applied to the payment of the subscription of the Government until fully paid for, 
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and the balance over to the Authority and shall form part of the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF). 
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All veterans funds being administered by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and other 
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agencies and which are not encumbered or earmarked for any individual veteran or organization 
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shall constitute the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) to be placed under the administration, 
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management, and control of the Authority. 
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The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is hereby authorized to hold annually 
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a sweepstakes draw exclusively for the benefit of the Authority. The whole proceeds of the 
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sweepstakes draw shall, after deducting the payment of the prizes and expenses as provided in 
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Section six of Republic Act No. 1169, as amended, be turned over to the Authority to form part 
13 
of the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF). 
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SEC. 9. 
Organizational Structure of the Authority. - The Administrator of the 
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Authority is hereby authorized to formulate and adopt an organizational structure for the 
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Authority, including the creation of regional offices, whenever necessary, for the efficient and 
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effective discharge of its powers and functions. Essentially, the organizational structure of the 
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Authority shall complement the following components: 
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1. Veterans Health Service and Research Administration 
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2. Veterans Benefits Administration 
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3. National Memorial Affairs 
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4. Budgetary and Financial Management 
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5. Information Resources Management 
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6. Personnel Management and Labor Relations 
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7. Capital Facilities and Real Property Program 
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8. Planning, Studies, Evaluation 
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There shall be separate bureaus created in the Authority for each of Veterans Health 
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Service and Research Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Memorial 
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Affairs. 
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The staffing pattern of the Authority shall be prescribed by the Administrator, in 
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accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by Civil Service Commission and the 
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Department of Budget and Management, within sixty (60) days after the approval of this Act. 
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Authorized positions created therein shall be filled by regular appointments by the President or 
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the Administrator as the case may be: Provided, however, That such individuals comply with the 
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qualifications standards set by the Civil Service Commission for the position that they shall be 
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appointed to. 
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SEC. 10. Creation of Adjudication Body. - There is hereby created an Adjudication 
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Body to hear and decide cases in connection with veterans affairs. Such Adjudication Body shall 
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be composed of the Administrator as Chairman and four (4) associate members, two (2) of whom 
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shall be lawyers, and have extensive knowledge of veterans affairs. Such Adjudication Body 
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shall hear and determine any veterans claim or complaint filed in accordance with the procedure 
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to be formulated by the Body, subject to the approval of the President and Congress. 
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SEC. 11. Disability Rating Board. - A Disability Rating Board of three members 
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composed of a physician, a lawyer, and a layman who is well versed in veterans' laws, rules and 
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regulations, under the direct supervision of the Administrator, is hereby created in the Authority. 
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This Board shall be a fulltime body and shall determine the extent of the disability of the person 
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applying for disability pension based on findings and recommendations of any authorized 
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Certificate of Disability Discharge Board (CDD) and all clinical records in accordance with the 
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Scheduled Rating Disabilities approved by the Administrator or such other schedule which may 
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subsequently be promulgated by him, except for conditions as hereunder provided. A majority 
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vote of the members of the Board shall be sufficient to sustain the rating of any individual case: 
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PrOVided, however, That in the case of officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the 
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Philippines a certification by the Secretary of National Defense, upon recommendation of the 
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Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines as to the military status and service connection 
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of the disability of the person applying for disability pension, shall be binding and conclusive 
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upon the Board. 
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SEC. 12. The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). - The Veterans Memorial 
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Medical Center shall become a bureau under the control and supervision of the Administrator as 
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a medical facility for hospitalization, medical care, treatment, rehabilitation, research, and 
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medical education for the promotion of the health and welfare of veterans, their dependents, and 
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other persons authorize to receive medical attention. 
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The VMMC shall be headed by a Director and shall have a professional staff and 
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administrative staff. 
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The VMMC shall formulate and implement a continuing health and medical services 
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program for veterans and their dependents pursuant to Republic Act No. 6948 as amended by 
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Republic Act No. 7696 and in compliance with the particular objective and priority program 
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behind the creation of the Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) as provided for in Section 10 of this 
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Act. 
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SEC. 13. Administration and Development of National Shrines of Military 
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Significance and Veterans Mortuaries and Cemeteries. - The Authority shall be responsible for 
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the administration, maintenance, and development of Corregidor Island, Dambana ng Kagitingan 
2 
and Mt. Samat in Bataan, Bantayog ng Kiangan in lfugao and such other historic battlefields of 
3 
military significance, military veterans cemeteries/mortuaries, memorials and other facilities as 
4 
may hereafter be determined and placed under its responsibility For this purpose, the 
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Administrator shall organize the corresponding bureau under the Authority and may call on any 
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department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the government for such assistance as 
7 
may be necessary in the preparation and execution of plans or in the maintenance of the services 
8 
to be established and shall furthermore, take appropriate action for the conduct of studies and 
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preparation of a general program for the development of national parks embracing all the historic 
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areas of military significance, and recommend to the President a plan for appropriate memorials 
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or monuments whenever they are deemed desirable, taking into account the topography, 
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vegetation, degree of environmental disturbances, and historical background of the places 
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selected for the purpose. 
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SEC. 14. Office of Veterans Affairs in the US. - An Office of Veterans Affairs is 
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established in the Philippine Embassy in the United States of America to pursue the claims of 
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Filipino veterans of World War 11 for the full restoration of their rights, privileges, and benefits 
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from the United States Government. 
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For the attainment of this goal, the Office of Veterans Affairs is mandated with the task 
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of making formal representations, consultations and negotiations with appropriate offices of the 
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United States of America Executive and Legislative branches. 
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The Office shall have a staff consisting of the Head of Office appointed by the President 
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of the Philippines, two administrative assistants assigned by the Administrator and such other 
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locally hired personnel as the Head of Office may find necessary 
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SEC. 15. Inter-agency Committees. - Upon the request of the Authority or any of its 
2 
Bureaus, all government agencies involved in the approval and implementation of projects of the 
3 
Authority or its duly authorized or endorsed entities, whether government or private, shall 
4 
expeditiously act upon and resolve the matter subject to the approval of the President. The 
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Administrator may, whenever necessary, initiate the activation of an ad hoc interagency 
6 
committee for an, efficient and effective orchestration of efforts of concerned entities in the 
7 
implementation of programs, projects, and activities of the Authority. 
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SEC. 16. Transitory Provision. - The officers and employees of the PVAO, PVAC, and 
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BTVWWII shall continue in a holdover capacity until such time as the new officers and 
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employees of the Authority shall have been duly appointed pursuant to the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 17. Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions ofthis Act, the appropriations for 
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the current fiscal year as well as the existing funds, assets, and resources of the transferred and 
15 
abolished offices mention un Section 9 hereof shall be transferred to the Authority to include the 
16 
Veterans Welfare Fund (VWF) mentioned in Section 10 of this Act. Thereafter, such amounts as 
17 
may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the Annual General 
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Appropriations Act. 
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SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the 
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provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 19. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is 
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declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not 
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affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 20. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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