Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1438

House Bill No,"

Introduced by Honorable Carmelo F. Lazatin

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Armed Forces of the Philippines serves as the vanguard and protector of peace and security in the
country. Its indispensable role in the protection of the Philippines from all kinds of lawlessness has
remained unparalleled despite the threatening nature of their profession. Indeed, the extraordinary valor of
the members of the AFP have been greatly relied on also during times of calamities were their ever
steadfast service can be anticipated.

However, despite their remarkable feat, the AFP’s remuneration is not commensurate to their
dedication to public service. Though their selfless deeds cannot be measured by any amount, this bill seeks
to recognize their exemplary performance of AFP members in combat through the provision of scholarship
grants to their children to provide other means of service satisfaction and fulfilment especially those
assigned in the battle field.

Indeed, they key to increased professionalism, efficiency of the military personnel depends in the
provision of adequate support and to their families considering the nature of their profession that usually
entails calls for life threatening duties away from their homes.

Through the provision of scholarship grants to their children, the State can be assured that the
members of the AFP can be freed from the burden caused by uncertainties in ensuring a bright future for
their families amidst all the risky duties they dedicatedly perform.

In view of the foregoing premises, the approval of ths bill is eaestly sought.

CARMELO,
First District, Pampanga


Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1438

Introduced by Honorable Carmelo F. Lazatin

AN ACT PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS TO ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES ASSIGNED IN COMBAT.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known and cited as the “AFP Scholarship Grant Act’.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Itis the declared policy of the State to recognize the selfless
deeds and extraordinary valor of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assigned in
the battlefield in the preservation of peace and order and promote their welfare and their families through
the provision of scholarship grants to their children to provide other means of service satisfaction and
fulfilment.

SECTION 3. Enforcement of the Act- It shall be the primary duty of the AFP, Department of
National Defense (OND) and Department of Education (DepEd) to effectively enforce this Act. The AFP
shall be responsible in screening and certifying the qualifications of the applicants.

SECTION 4. Qualifications- Only bonafide and legally recognized children of AFP members in
‘combat shall be entitled to the scholarship grant regardless of age. It shall be available in secondary and
college level in state-run universities and colleges and public schools only. Whereas, elementary students
in public schools only shall be provided with a monthly allowance of Php 500.00.

Children of retired and deceased members of the AFP who were assigned in combat shall be also
entitled to the scholarship grant provided that the parent does not have any pending criminal or
administrative case. Should the member be charged of any criminal or administrative case, the beneficiary
shall no longer be entitled to the grant. Further, scholarship applicants already possessing a Baccalaureate
degree are no longer qualified.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provisions or part hereof, is invalid or unconstitutional,
the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.


SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter
of instruction, administrative order, rule of regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the provisions of this
Actiis hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,