Jinggoy: PBBM has signed into law the bill increasing disability pension of veterans
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law the bill proposing an increase in the disability pension of the country’s veterans.
“The long-awaited enactment of the bill increasing veterans’ disability pension by as much as 488% marks a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation,” Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said on Friday, August 25.
“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,” he stressed.
Based on the document provided by Estrada’s office, Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 11958 or “An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans” on Thursday, August 24. The law amended RA No. 6948 or the Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their Dependents”
Under the new law, a veteran’s disability base rate will be raised to P4,500 from the current P1,000, or an increase of 350 percent.
Those presently receiving P1,700 which has the highest disability rating will now be receiving P10,000 or an increase of P8,300, equivalent to 488 percent. The P500 monthly pension for the spouse and each unmarried minor child will be adjusted to P1,000.
Estrada, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation and author and sponsor of the measure, thanked the President for enacting the bill into law.
“I want to convey my sincere gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for enacting this significant bill into law. This action signifies a powerful message that our veterans' sacrifices are highly regarded and their welfare is still a primary concern,” Estrada said.
“It may serve as a lasting legacy of the Marcos administration's dedication to those who have protected and defended our nation,” the senator added.
Estrada said the law also 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 said.
“It is vital to emphasize that this law is not just about numbers on paper. It's about the lives we are impacting and the families we are uplifting. By supporting our veterans, we honor their legacy, strengthen their dignity, and provide them the comfort they deserve in their golden years,” the lawmaker stressed.