World War II vets assured P20,000 monthly pension
LINGAYEN–The surviving 300 plus World
War II veterans in Pangasinan can begin to look forward to receive higher old
age pension starting January this year, from the original P5,000 per month to
P20,000 per month for the remaining part of their lives.
This was revealed by Lt. General Ernesto Carolina (ret.), administrator of the
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in a talk to newsmen during the 74th
Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary and 12th Pangasinan Day celebration here on
January 9.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte already signed into law last week Senate
Bill No. 1766 authored by Senator Gregorio Honasan, that increased the old age
pension of war veterans now numbering just more than 5,000, throughout the
country.
The increased pension, he said is on top of the P1,700 per month disability pension the surviving war veterans are receiving from the government.
Carolina said based on the roster of
World War II veterans in his office, Pangasinan still has the most number of surviving
World War II veterans today from 335,000 soldiers and guerilla fighters
who fought in the war nationwide.
He assured that beginning 2020, the increased old age pension of war veterans
will be included in the general appropriations act.
Carolina also revealed plans to refurbish and beautify the Libingan ng mga
Bayani to be at par with the American Cemetery beside it and the Bantayog
ng Kabayanihan in Mount Samat, Bataan, which was declared as Tourism
Enterprise Zone, for the young generation to remember the heroism of their
forebears.
Noting statistics that veterans of World War II are dying at the rate
of 300 yearly, Carolina stressed a need to give the war heroes the best
care and attention that the present generation can offer before they finally
leave this world.
Carolina underscored the fact that it is only under the administration of
President Duterte that adopted the policy that WW II veterans no longer have to
pay for their medicines in government or private hospitals since these will
already be covered by PVAO through the reimbursement scheme.
He clarified, however, that Korean War
and Vietnam War veterans and retirees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
can only enjoy 50 per cent reimbursement of their cost of their medicines. (Leonardo
Micua)
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