Filipino World War 2 veterans will soon receive their much deserved pension unpaid during the past two administrations.
President Duterte has authorized the swift release of P6.421-billion worth of pension benefits for war veterans and other military retirees, saying they must no longer suffer in their twilight years.
The President promised to provide a “better life” for the military veterans and their families as he paid tribute to the war heroes during the 75th commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan yesterday.
“I am directing the Department of Budget and Management, DBM, and the Department of National Defense to expedite the early release of the AFP retirees’ pension credentials for fiscal years 2008 to 2013 in the amount of P6.421 billion,” the President said in his remarks.
“No matter what we do, we can never do enough to repay you. But I would like for you to know that your government is doing much, much more,” he said.
“Our surviving veterans have suffered much. They should not suffer more in the twilight of their years. They deserve a better life,” Duterte added.
The President’s last-minute announcement drew the loudest applause from the war veterans and their families as well as widows of soldiers attending the ceremony.
The event was also attended by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa, and US Chargé d’Affaires Michael S. Klecheski. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
