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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1413

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Armed Forces of the Philippines has long been the defender of our freedom and
protector of our people. Our soldiers have placed themselves in the forefront of conflicts and
calamities, It is only just that we provide them with proper assistance as they transition from
active service to private citizenry. One area that we need to address is the transfer of care from
the Department of National Defense (DND) to the Philippine Vetérans Affairs Office (PVAO),
Our veterans face unnecessary difficulties during such transfer. DND and PVAO should be more

proactive and relieve our veterans of the hassles of transferring.

This bill seeks to mandate the DND and PVAO to provide for an automatic transfer of
record of qualified veterans upon separation of service. This measure was previously filed by
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago in the 15* Congress. Passage of this Bill is eamestly sought
now in the 16" Congress.

HARLIN CAST. ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northem Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1413

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
TO IMPROVE THE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF
NATIONAL DEFENSE AND THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE TO
BETTER PROVIDE CARE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
AND VETERANS,

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 “Veterans Transitional Assistance Act."

SECTION 2. Transmittal of Records. - Upon the discharge or release of a member of the Armed
Forces, the Department of National Defense shall transmit the military service record and
contact information of the member to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

SECTION 3. Contacting the Veterans, - PVAO shall contact each person for whom the office
receives a military service record and contact information under Section 2 not later than 30 days
afier the date on which the office receives such record and information, and shall provide to the
person such forms and other information as may be necessary for the person to apply for any
benefits, including medical benefits, 10 which the person may be entitled under the laws
administered by PVA.

SECTION 4. Report. - Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of National Defense and the Director of PVAO shall submit to Congress a report on the
implementation of this section.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter
of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent with the
provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.


SECTION 6, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,