Marcos: AFP Medal of Valor awardees to get higher gratuity pay
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced he has approved the increase of the lifetime monthly gratuity pay for Medal of Valor awardees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The President acknowledged the contributions of AFP members during his speech at the 88th Founding Anniversary of the AFP and said that the pay increase was recommended by both 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.
"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,” he added.
In his speech, Marcos also rallied the country's troops to remain relentless in countering lawless elements.
The highest combat award given by the AFP, the Medal of Valor recognizes a soldier’s “supreme sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry.”
According to Republic Act No. 9049, an awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of P20,000. This is distinct from any salary or pension the awardee receives from the government.
Under the law, the President is authorized to adjust at a reasonable time and rates and lifetime monthly gratuity of awardees. This is upon the recommendation of the AFP chief of staff and the Secretaries of the Department of National Defense and the Department of Budget and Management.
The awardee, his/her widow/widower, and/or dependents are also entitled to precedence in employment in government agencies; priority in the approval of the awardee’s housing application; priority in obtaining loans from government-owned or controlled financial institutions; 20 percent discount from all establishments relative to utilization of transportation services, hotels, restaurants, recreation and sports centers and purchase of medicines; among other benefits.—LDF, GMA Integrated News