PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed government agencies to study the existing separation benefits for disabled soldiers.
The Chief Executive wanted to find out if the soldiers are getting the appropriate recognition for their sacrifices.
Speaking during the 82nd Anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan, President Marcos said the sacrifices of Filipino heroes must strengthen the country’s national consciousness and patriotic spirit.
The present-day Armed Forces continue this noble duty of safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty, the President told the event attendees.
“And in recognition of their bravery and sacrifices, I am directing the Defense, Budget, and Finance Departments to study the existing separation benefits of soldiers who incurred total permanent disability in the line of duty to see if these are commensurate to their sacrifices they have made and submit their recommendation while taking stock of the national government’s position,” President Marcos said.
“We are doubling our efforts to enhance their operational capability. We must, therefore, also ensure their safety by procuring the right equipment. I therefore task the DND and AFP to assess and submit a report on the responsiveness of the current inventory of military supplies and equipment,” he added.
These measures, Marcos said, aim to show the government’s unwavering support to Filipino soldiers as they face new and growing challenges.
Amid a complicated world today, Marcos exhorted the nation and its people not to yield and “must not back down from any and all challenges that seek to threaten our peace, our honor, and our very existence.”
On December 8, 1941, the Imperial Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and simultaneously assaulted Davao, Baguio, Tarlac, and Tuguegarao in the Philippines.
After 93 days of siege and defense of Bataan, Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese forces on April 9, 1942.
The Japanese occupation in the country lasted from 1942 to 1945.
As of March 2024, there were 60,180 surviving Filipino veterans, categorized as either WWII veterans (990) or post-WWII veterans (59,190).
In the fiscal year 2023, the amount of PhP10.198 billion was disbursed to a monthly average of 145,050 pensioners.
