Solon wants monthly pension of veterans doubled

The P5,000 monthly pension that Filipino veterans are getting may soon be doubled if the bill now pending in Congress becomes a law.

Under House Bill 6230 filed by Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, a veteran who is at least 65 years old would receive an old-age monthly pension of P10,000 for life unless he is receiving a similar pension for the same consideration from other government funds.

Roman, chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare, said veterans deserve a higher pension to be able to live their lives comfortably considering the sacrifices they have done for the country. She noted that the current pension of P5,000 was enacted almost 21 years ago.

“The veterans have sacrificed much for the county. They invested blood, sweat and tears and in return, it is only fitting that we repay their service by taking care of them in their old age,” he said.

At least eight other bills have been filed in the House of Representatives which either seek to increase the pension given to veterans.

Among these pending measures are House Bill 518 authored by Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon mandating the use of proceeds from the development, lease or use of certain government properties for payment of pensions and other benefits of veterans.

Meanwhile, House Bill 542 filed by Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla proposed a P3,000-increase in the monthly pension of war veterans and their dependents.

All measures related to increasing the pensions of military veterans are currently under deliberation by Roman’s committee. —ALG, GMA News