Kin calls for additional pension for WWII veterans

The families of World War II veterans on Thursday called for additional pensions for the aging war heroes as the country commemorated the 84th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday.

Mike Villa-real, national executive president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Sons & Daughters Association, Inc., said war veterans receive P20,000 monthly for old-age and P1,700 for disability pensions.

Meanwhile, their spouses receive P5,000 monthly pensions.

“Legislation talaga ang kailangan. Sa pagkakaalam ko, tumaas lang yan ng five, six years ago,” Villa-real told Super Radyo dzBB.

(Legislation is really what's needed. As far as you know, that only increased five or six years ago.)

“Ang hinihingi lang po namin is at least kahit surviving spouse at 400-plus veteran [may dagdag pension], total konti na lang sila. It would not take much of the budget ng ating national government,” he added.

(All we’re asking for is an additional pension for surviving spouses and the 400-plus remaining veterans. There are very few of them left, and it wouldn’t take much from the national government’s budget.)

TUCP party-list Rep. Reymond Mendoza, who is also the president of the association, has filed House Bill 3503, declaring the month of April as the “Philippine Veterans’ Month.”

The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize recognition and programs for veteran heroes.

Earlier, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. ensured the welfare of war veterans as he recognized their sacrifices. 

The President pointed out that it is a reminder of the country's enduring spirit of resilience and unity amid challenging times.

“We gather here today to remember those who stood firm in the face of overwhelming adversity, as well as to reaffirm the values that they lived and that they died for—the values of courage, of dignity, and an unyielding love of country,'' Marcos said in his speech.

“The heroes of Bataan gave their all so that we, and the generations that follow, may inherit a nation that is free, sovereign, and worthy of their sacrifice. Their story reminds us that the fight for freedom knows no borders—and that solidarity, even in the darkest of times, is a force that binds humanity together,” he added.

According to Villa-real, as of March 2026, there are only 440 remaining living war veterans.

Teofilo Gamutan Sr., the oldest World War II veteran in Davao City, passed away on April 3.

Lolo Pilo’s family described him as a man who lived a life grounded in faith, honor, strength, humility, and kindness.

They added that he was a loving father and neighbor who brought dignity and comfort to those around him. —RF, GMA News