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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

nous BiLLNo,_ 1426

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast, Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This piece of legislation lays down the necessary framework of institutionalizing, benefits
for military dependents and emphasizes on increasing benefits of the dependents for Health,

Housing, Education, and other benefits

This measure was previously filed by Senator Edgardo Angara in the 15" Congress

Passage of this Bill is earnestly sought now in the 16" Congress.

ee

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

nouse pitino, 1426

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast, Abayon

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS TO MILITARY DEPENDENTS,
CREATING THE MILITARY DEPENDENTS WELFARE OFFICE,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be i enacted in the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the Congress assembled
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Military Dependent's Benefits Act of 2013."

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy, It shall be the policy of the state fo ensure the prosperity and well-
being of its citizens through policies and programs that provide adequate social services, promote
rising standards of living and an improved quality of life for all, Moreover, the state recognizes
the vital role of the military in the protection of our country's sovereignty and should therefore
ensure the promotion and improvement of the social and economic status of military personnel
and their dependents

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms, For purposes of this Act the following shall mean:

(a)""Military Dependent" - refers to the wife, children and other persons dependent on
the military personnel for chief support, duly registered with the Moral and Welfare
Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel JI of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines,

(b) "AFP Military Personnel" -shall include all active and incapacitated members of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines.

SEC 4, Educational Benefits. Dependents of military personnel not exceeding four (4) shall be
entitled to educational assistance in any of the following educational levels with the indicated
amount of support per school year and corresponding durations as follows:


Educational level Amount of Support (Per year) Duration

College P 6,000.00 4/5 years
Vocational P 4,000.00 2years
Secondary 3,000.00 4 years
Elementary P2,000,00 6 years

SEC 5. Health Benefits. Dependents of Military personnel shall be entitled to the following
health benefits to be provided by AFP Health Facilities located in various parts of the country:

(a) Free Hospitalization, inclusive of professional services, medicine, and medical supplies
(b) Dispensary or Outpatient Services

(c) Ambulance services

(d) Free Dental Services

SECTION 6, Housing Benefits. All Military Personnel and their dependents shall be provided
with the necessary housing subject to the eligibility and priority system set by the Major
Service/Unit Housing Boards of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Housing, especially Oft-
Base housing in preparation for retirement will be provided additional funding,

SECTION 7. Commissary Benefits, All Military Dependents shall be entitled to the
benefit/privilege of purchasing tax-exempt merchandise from any of the AFPCES units either
cash or salary check.

SECTION 8, Other Benefits and Privileges. Military Dependents shall continue to receive all
other existing benefits and privileges.

SECTION 9. Creation of the Military Dependents Welfare Office. A Military Dependents
Welfare Office is hereby created, herein after referred to as the Office, which shall be attached to
the Morale and Welfare Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J-I Armed
Forces of the Philippines, for the coordination and recommendation of policies and programs for
military dependents

SECTION 10. Functions of the Office. The Office shall have the powers and functions:

(a) To act as coordinating body for all issues and concerns of military dependents

(b) To formulate and institutionalize the necessary system and mechanism to ensure
the effective and responsive delivery of benefits for military dependents.

(c) To facilitate and ensure the swift release of benefits to the Military Dependents.

(d) To review existing benefits and recommend the necessary improvements to
ensure better benefits for Military Dependents,

(e) To annually recommend to the Department of National Defense appropriations
for military dependent’s benefits under the budget of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines.


SECTION 11, Coordination with Armed Forces of the Philippines Savings and Loans,
Associations Incorporated (AFPSLAI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Retirement
Separation Benefit System (AFPRSBS). The Military Dependents! benefits office shall
coordinate with the AFPSLAI and AFPRSBS to facilitate and ensure the release of benefits for
military dependents

SECTION 12. Appropriations. The Department of National Defense shall, every year allocate a
portion of their annual budget for the support of this Act.

SECTION 13, Rules and Regulations. The Department of National Defense shall the Rules and
Regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 14, Repealing Clause, All Republic Acts, Executive Orders, Presidential Decrees,
laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 15. Separability Clause, If, for any reason, any section or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining sections or parts not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 16, Effectivity. This Act shall take effect upon its approval

Approved,