Military heroes, dependents entitled to special benefits

Manila, Philippines — Medal of Valor awardees and their family members are now entitled to special benefits such as priority in government employment, exemption from tuition and a 20-percent discount in commercial establishments, among others.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced yesterday these new benefits accorded to military heroes and their family members based on Republic Act 9049 (Privileges for Medal of Valor Awardees).

RA 9049 was promulgated in March 2001, but its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) only took effect in December 2019, the CSC said.

CSC chair Alicia dela Rosa-Bala cited Section 8 of the law’s IRR as providing “priority for employment in the government service” for awardees who have already retired as soldiers but wish to work in government.

However, they should still comply with civil service rules and regulations. “This means no appointment shall be issued to individuals who do not meet the qualification standards of the position, which comprises education, experience, training and eligibility requirements, as well as additional requirements that the hiring government agency may prescribe,” Bala said.

Section 8 of the IRR also has a provision that affords dependents of the awardee the same priority in employment in government service, subject to the same conditions.

RA 9049 also provides that awardees and their kin are entitled to priority in the approval of housing applications as well as priority in the acquisition of public lands.

Another feature of the law exempts dependents from payment of tuition in public schools and colleges, and entitles the awardees and their close kin to a 20-percent discount in commercial establishments.