Veterans’ group bats for increased benefits
Veterans and their spouses, and also their sons and daughters, could enjoy increased benefits as the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) is pushing for such expansion.
From the current P5,000, the VFP is pushing to increase the death/burial assistance to P20,000, according to VFP president Col. Bonifacio de Gracia.
Also, those who are entitled to medical assistance could claim P5,000 from the current P3,000. By 2019, both the medical and death assistance could be increased to P25,000, De Gracia said.
Meanwhile, the VFP’s executive board has approved the inclusion of an auxiliary organization composed of veterans’ sons and daughters, De Gracia said during the commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of Muntinlupa City’s Liberation Day, led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.
Supposedly, only the following are recognized as legitimate organizations of veterans: charter organizations recognized by Republic Act 2640 that created the VFP; affiliate organizations registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and veteran districts dependent on geographical areas. These organizations are currently composed of only veterans and their spouses.
Now members of the auxiliary organization of sons and daughters could receive benefits similar to what veterans and their spouses receive in case of the veterans’ death.
The sons and daughters could also avail themselves of educational assistance, following VFP’s proposal.
Also, a livelihood program for veterans and their dependents, including their sons and daughters, is currently in the works, De Gracia said.
The program, with an allotted initial fund of P5 million, would depend on the feasibility studies to be presented by the veterans, their spouses, sons and daughters.
The proposals, set to be approved within the year, had been discussed by the VFP and the House of Representatives committee on veteran affairs headed by Pangasinan 2nd district Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, De Gracia added.
The funds for all these benefits come from the P700-million trust fund which is part of the revenue of the 50-hectare land in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City managed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, De Gracia said.
“On average, we get around P22 million a month from the revenue,” he said.
De Gracia encouraged veterans of World War II who are not yet recognized by the VFP to become members to enjoy the proposed benefits.