Senate bill seeks to increase veterans’ disability pension

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill seeking to increase the disability pension of military veterans by 350% to 488%.

According to a statement released by Estrada’s office, Senate Bill 683 seeks to increase the base rate of the monthly disability pension from P1,000 to P4,500. It also seeks to rationalize other prescribed rates to provide a pension of as much as P10,000 monthly.

“It is the intention of this measure to support our veterans by increasing the disability pension to cover, among others, medical and hospitalization expenses, the economic and social ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in the prices of oil, food, and other consumer goods,” he said.

Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation questioned the help provided by the current disability pension.

“Sa sobrang taas na ng mga gastusin sa ngayon, hindi na makabuluhan ang kakarampot nilang pensiyon na halos tatlong dekada na ang nakalipas nang huli itong nadagdagan,” Estrada said.

[With the current prices right now, this meager pension that has not been increased in almost three decades does not make sense.]

“Ano mararating ng pensiyon na halagang P1,100 hanggang P1,700 sa panahon ngayon,” he added.

[What will a pension of P1,100 to P1,700 do in these times?]

According to Estrada, the country’s commemoration of Heroes’ Day will mean more if the country gives importance to the service given by retired veterans. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News