HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
RECENVED

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

DATE

Seemed
TIME: te) a

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 14838

Introduced by: Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon Ill

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This piece of legislation lays down the necessary framework of institutionalizing
benefits for military dependent and emphasizes the 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 17" Congress.

HARL IL J. ABAYON II

Representative
Party-List AANGAT TAYO ~


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1488

Introduced by: Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

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

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Military Dependent’s Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It shall be the policy of the state to ensure the prosper
and well-being of the 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 socials and
economic status of military personnel and their dependent.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Act the following shall mean:

(a) “Military Dependent” — refers to the wife, children and other person 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 J1 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.

SECTION 4. Education Benefits. Dependents of military personnel not exceeding four (4)
members 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 2 years
Secondary P 3,000.00 4 years

Elementary P 2,000.00 6 years


Secondary P 3,000.00 4 years

Elementary P 2,000.00 6 years

SECTION 5. Health Benefits. Dependent 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, medicines, and medical
supplies

(b) Dispensary or Outpatient Services

(©) Ambulance services

(@) 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 Off-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 Dependent 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-L 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 improvement to ensure
better benefits for Military Dependents,

(¢) 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 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 Regulation. 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 of parts not affected thereby shall
remain in full force and effect.

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

Approved,