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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) . ,
Second Regular Session ) 18 MAR2I P69

SENATE 7 a
s.no,_ 1766

Introduced by Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II

AN ACT
INCREASING THE MONTHLY PENSION OF SENIOR VETERANS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our 1987 Constitution mandates that the State shall foster the socioeconomic
security and general well-being of the country's veterans in recognition of their
patriotic services in times of war and peace for the cause of freedom and democracy;
for the attainment of national unity, independence, and socioeconomic advancement;
and for the maintenance of peace and order, in keeping with the goals of the
Government and the aspirations of the people.

By virtue of Republic Act No. 6948 entitled "An Act Standardizing and Upgrading
the Benefits for Military Veterans and Their Dependents", as amended by Republic Act
No. 7696, our veterans are currently receiving a monthly old-age pension of Five
Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00). With the spiraling cost of living, such amount is clearly
not enough to meet the basic necessities for a decent living. The proposed measure
seeks to increase the old-age pension of our senior veterans of World War II, Korean
and Vietnam wars to Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000) to augment their resources
in order that they may live decently and with dignity.

Our senior veterans have sacrificed much for our country. They invested blood,
sweat, and tears and in return, it is only fitting that we repay their service by taking
care of them in their old age. People who have dedicated their lives in the service of
the country should, at the very least, be able to live out the rest of their days
comfortably without worrying about their basic needs. Sad to say that at present, our

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senior veterans face a new challenge — the hardships of old age along with meager
resources that they must stretch in order to survive. We must recompense them in a
manner more fitting to what they have given.

The proposed increase of benefits for our senior veterans is a way to show the
nation’s grateful appreciation of their bravery, service, and sacrifice. By giving due
importance to what they have done in the past, we show citizens, especially the youth
what the nation values — the traits of heroism, love of country, and patriotism.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnest

GR&GORIO B. HONASAN II
Senator



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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session ) "18 MAR 21

SENATE AE
S.No. 1766 RECE,

Introduced by Senator Gregorio B. Honasan IT

AN ACT
INCREASING THE MONTHLY PENSION OF SENIOR VETERANS

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

Section 1. For purposes of this Act, Senior Veterans refer to the veterans of
World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Sec. 2. Increase in Old-Age Pension of Senior Veterans. - The old-age pension
of veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars shall be increased to Twenty
Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) per month. Provided, that the veterans of Korean and
Vietnam wars are not receiving pension from the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP). Provided further, that the entitlement to the increase in old-age pension shall
be limited to the eligible living senior veterans and shall not be transferable to any
family members and/or dependents of the senior veterans.

Sec. 3. Funding. - In order to augment the amount needed to fund the increase
in the old-age pension as provided in this Act, the amount necessary for the initial
implementation shall be charged against the current year’s available appropriation of
the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). Thereafter, such sums as may be
needed for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. — All existing laws or parts thereof inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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Sec. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,