PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure to increase the disability pension for military veterans.
Under Republic Act No. 11958, signed on Aug. 24, a veteran who is disabled due to sickness, disease, wounds, or injuries sustained in the line of duty will be given a monthly disability pension according to the prescribed rates.
The disability base rate for military veterans who have been rendered disabled in the line of duty will be raised to P4,500 from the current P1,000.
Veterans who are receiving P1,700— the highest disability rating–will now get P10,000 or an increase of P8,300, equivalent to 488 percent while the P500 monthly pension for the spouse and each unmarried minor child will be raised to P1,000.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chairperson of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification, and reconciliation, lauded the signing of the law, saying that this was a “significant milestone in recognizing and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.”
“The valor and dedication displayed by our veterans are immeasurable.
It is only just and fitting that we reciprocate their selflessness with genuine care and support, especially when they face challenges
arising from their service,” Estrada said in a statement.
“Let us remember that this law represents a promise fulfilled and a reminder of our ongoing commitment to our veterans. It is our duty to ensure that the services and assistance we provide continuously evolve to address their changing needs,” he added.
The President also signed two laws, one to help Filipino entrepreneurs and the other to conserve and protect the country’s cultural heritage.
RA No. 11960 titled “An Act Institutionalizing the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Program, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” otherwise known as the OTOP Philippines Act, seeks to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.
It also aims to provide adequate and effective support services for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the collaboration of various agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the
Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are also members of the
OTOP Management Committee.
Other agencies included are the Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Meanwhile, RA No. 11961 amends the Natural Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and seeks to strengthen the conservation and protection of Philippine cultural heritage through cultural mapping and an enhanced cultural heritage education program.