A eeP RESEN
’ RECEIVED @\

Republic of the Philippines i
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
15 Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6532

Introduced by Hon. WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As the saying goes, “not all heroes wear capes”, in fact some of these heroes
are the uniformed men and women whom have dedicated their entire lives serving
and protecting the Filipino People. The same set of men and women who have
fought tooth and nail in order to preserve the lives of our generation and the
generations to come. These men and women are our Medal of Valor Awardees.
The Medal of Valor is the highest combat award the military gives to honor the
soldiers who have exhibited acts of bravery or self-sacrifice to heed the call of duty.

As it stands, Republic Act No. 9049 also known as “An Act Granting Monthly
Gratuity and Privileges To An Awardee Of The Medal Of Valor, Providing Funds
Therefor, And For Other Purposes” has served as the primary legislation that aims
to honor the heroics of our Medal of Valor awardees who were willing to go above
and beyond in the name of service.

In fact, RA No. 9049 which was signed on March 22, 2001 have provided for
a lifetime monthly gratuity of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00), this was then
increased by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos
(P75,000.00) by virtue of the Memorandum of the Executive Secretary, Office of
the President dated December 22, 2016 and the Department of National Defense
Department Circular No. 2 dated January 31, 2017. However, due to the changes
within our economy coupled with the various medical expenses that our Medal of


Valor awardees have to brook, it is only just that we introduce the necessary
changes that would be of help to our heroes.

Moreover, by increasing the lifetime monthly gratuity of the Medal of Valor
awardees, it would then inspire our soldiers to do their utmost in performing their
constitutional service thus ensuring a peaceful future for the generations to come.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ot

WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II
1* District, Zamboanga Sibugay


wearvauvee

te

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
First Regular Session

532

6
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II

AN ACT INCREASING THE LIFETIME MONTHLY GRATUITY OF MEDAL OF VALOR
AWARDEES. AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9049,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT GRANTING MONTHLY GRATUITY AND
PRIVILEGES TO AN AWARDEE OF THE MEDAL OF VALOR, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

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

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9049 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

Section 2. A Medal of Valor awardee will henceforth be entitled to a lifetime
monthly gratuity of [Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00)] ONE HUNDRED AND
FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P150,000.00). This gratuity is separate and distinct from
any salary or pension which the awardee is currently receiving or will receive from
the government of the Philippines. Provided, That in the event of death of the
awardee, the same shall accrue in equal shares and with the right of accretion to
the surviving spouse until she remarries and to the children, legitimate, or adopted
or illegitimate, until they reach the age of eighteen (18) or until they marry,
whichever comes earlier: Provided, further, That such gratuity shall not be included


12
13
14

15
16
17
18

19
20
2a
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

29

30
31
32

33

35
36

37

38
39
40

41

in the computation, of gross income and shall be exempt from taxation under Title
Ill, Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as then “Tax Reform Act
of 1997”.

The provisions of this Act shall apply to the Medal of Valor awardees under
Presidential Decree No. 1687 who have since been integrated to the Philippine
National Police (PNP); Provided, That the appropriations therefor shall come from
the Philippine National Police.

The President of the Philippines is hereby authorized, upon the joint
recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the
Secretaries of the Department of National Defense and the Department of Budget
and Management, to adjust at a reasonable time and rates the lifetime monthly
gratuity of the awardees: Provided, That in computing for the rate of adjustment of
the lifetime monthly gratuity, they shall take into consideration applicable
economic and social factors or indicia such as the inflation rate: Provided, further,
That no increase under this section shall be authorized within three (3) years
following the effectivity of this Act and no oftener than once every five (5) years
thereafter.

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, rules and regulations, decrees,
issuances, or any parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are likewise
hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SEC. 3. Separability Clause. — \f any provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue in full
force and effect.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,