Marcos signs into law bill increasing military veterans' disability pension

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed into law the measure that increased military veterans' disability pension.

Republic Act No. 11958 or An Act Rationalizing The Disability Pension Of Veterans, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 6948, Entitled, An Act Standardizing and Upgrading The Benefits For Military Veterans And Their Dependents, As Amended was signed on August 24, Thursday.

Under the new law, a veteran who is disabled owing to sickness, disease, wounds, or injuries sustained in the line of duty shall 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.

Further, veterans who are receiving P1,700— the highest disability rating will be receiving P10,000 or an increase of P8,300, equivalent to 488% while the P500 monthly pension for the spouse and each unmarried minor child will likewise be adjusted 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.

Other measures

Meanwhile, Marcos also inked Republic Act No. 11960 or 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.

The new law aims to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos through policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost national economic growth.

It also seeks to provide adequate and effective support services for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with other agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Marcos also signed Republic Act No. 11961 or An Act Strengthening The Conservation And Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping And Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program, amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10066, Otherwise Known As The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. — DVM, GMA Integrated News