Duterte: Expedite release of P6.4-B pension for war vets

MANILA, Philippines - Knowing that nothing can compensate for the sacrifices of World War II veterans, President Duterte yesterday ordered budget and defense officials to speed up the release of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retirees’ pension.

“I am supposed to say ‘Maraming salamat po (Thank you),’ but I have something here for you… I am directing the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of National Defense to expedite the early release of the AFP’s retirees pension credentials for fiscal years 2008 to 2013 in the amount of (P6.4 billion),” the President said before ending his speech yesterday during ceremonies commemorating the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and Veteran’s Week held at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.

“We have settled the backlog in disability pensions. We (have) also made the management of almost 200,000 pension accounts more efficient,” Duterte announced to the cheering veterans and their families who attended the event.

He assured the veterans and their families that the government is prioritizing the release of their benefits.

“Let us take this moment to honor our veterans, the ones who passed away and the ones who are with us today. No matter what we do, we can never do enough to repay you. But I would like for you to know that your government is doing much, much more,” he said.

The surviving veterans, according to the Chief Executive, have suffered much and that they should not suffer more. “In the twilight of their years, they deserve a better life,” he said.

Duterte likewise announced that he is giving out instructions to improve the services and accessibility for veterans and that their dependents can be assured free healthcare at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and 152 veterans-accredited hospitals.

“As a legacy to the next generation, we have subsidized the education of more than 2,500 of our veterans’ dependents under the Iskolar ng Bayan program. With education, we hope they can secure a better future,” the President added.

Duterte stressed that the entitlements do not compare to the sacrifices that the veterans have made for the country.

“But we want you to know, our nation (and) our people are grateful to you for what you have done and we will do better,” he said. “We must never forget that we owe them a deep debt of gratitude. We owe them our lives and, for a time, our nation.”

Duterte also called on today’s youths to recognize the veterans’ role in history. “Take the time to recognize them because what I say is not trite. It is the truth: without them, we would not be here,” he said. 

“Let ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ remind us all that Filipinos are capable of tremendous feats of heroism. Let this monument be a beacon for all, to be brave in the midst of challenges and uncertainties,” Duterte added. 

The President also challenged every Filipino to “reaffirm our vow: we will never waver in our efforts to secure what’s best for the greatest common good for our nation.”

“We are drawn together each year on this sacred ground to honor the gallant men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice – for our nation, for our people and for our future. These are words uttered in utmost respect and gratitude for those who faced the biggest challenges and proved that they had much bigger hearts of courage,” he said.