PBBM hikes gratuity pay for Medal of Valor awardees

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has granted an increase on the lifetime monthly gratuity pay of soldiers awarded with the highest military honor. Marcos announced the increase on the gratuity pay to existing Medal of Valor Awardees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the 88th founding anniversary of the AFP.

The move, he said, is part of the administration’s support and appreciation of their bravery and heroism.

The President also said that the increase was upon the recommendation of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP.

“This will provide them with a tangible – this will provide our heroes with a tangible and a meaningful reward, highlighting our commitment to support and to honor our war heroes,” Marcos said in his speech during the event.

“I look forward to more decades of the AFP’S excellent and selfless service to the nation, especially now that we are transforming our country into ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that is rightfully due to our people,” the Chief Executive added.

During the event, Marcos acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of the uniformed service to secure the country and the people, rallying the troops to remain relentless in countering lawless elements.

Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, cited the President for increasing the lifetime monthly gratuity pay of Medal of Valor awardees.

Only a few are chosen to receive the Medal of Valor but the Chief Executive's decision to pay them higher has a direct impact to the entire military organization, Aguilar said.

“Their show of courage in times of extreme danger while performing the task of protecting our people and state cannot actually be compensated, especially those who gave up their life," Aguilar said on Friday, December 22. "Their action is noble and beyond the call of duty," he added.

The Medal of Valor is given to a soldier who perform "a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuously as to distinguish him above his comrades."

To date, there are 41 Medal of Valor awardees. Under Republic Act 9049, a Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity pay of P20,000 which is separate from the pension and salary he is receiving.

Then President Rodrigo R. Duterte increased the gratuity pay to P75,000 in 2016.

In case that the award is posthumously given, the gratuity pay goes to their spouse or children. The awardee, widow, or dependents are also entitled by the law to be prioritized when applying for work in government, government housing programs, loans not exceeding P500,000, and lease or acquisition of public lands.

They are also exempted from paying tuition in public and private schools, universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. They can take up either medicine or law.

If their children want to enter the Philippine Military Academy, they will also be prioritized for direct commission if qualified.

They are also entitled to 20 percent discount from hotels, transportation services, restaurants, theaters, carnivals, and medicine purchases. Private establishments may claim tax credits.