House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

Disabled veterans who fought for the country years ago will now have a "brighter future". 

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who hailed the recent signing into law of Republic Act (RA) No. 11958, also known as “An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans". 

“With the recent signing of the law increasing pension benefits for disabled veterans, a brighter future awaits those who have selflessly served our nation,” Romualdez, the leader of the 311-member House of Representatives, said in a statement Thursday, Aug. 31. 

"This significant step ensures that disabled veterans will not only receive the recognition they deserve but also gain the financial support they need to lead fulfilling lives, free from the economic burden of their disabilities. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to our heroes, demonstrating that we stand with them, providing the means for a more secure and dignified future," he added. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed RA No.11958 last Aug. 24. It amends RA No. 6948, which was enacted in 1990 to provide a monthly pension to veterans who were disabled due to sickness, disease or injuries sustained in the line of duty. 

Under the new law, a veteran's disability benefit will see a significant increase from the current P1,000 to P4,500—a surge of 350 percent. 

Consequently, veterans who were receiving the highest disability benefit of P1,700 will now receive P10,000. This is a 488 percent increase. 

Romualdez noted that disabilities often limit a veteran’s ability to work and earn a living. “Thus, a more substantial disability pension ensures that veterans and their dependents have a reliable source of income to cover daily living expenses, healthcare costs, and other essential needs." 

According to the House leader, veterans who became disabled due to injuries they incurred during their time of service also require medical care and assistance. 

“A higher disability pension provides them with the financial means to access the necessary medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and support services to improve their quality of life,” said the Leyte 1st district representative. 

Romualdez said the higher pension can help alleviate some of the pressures that come with caring for disabled veterans. 

The disability pension rates have been adjusted as follows: from P1,000 to P4,500 if the disability is rated from 10 percent to 30 percent; from P1,100 to P5,300 if the disability is rated from 31 percent to 40 percent; from P1,200 to P6,100 if the disability is rated from 41 percent to 50 percent; from P1,300 to P6,900 if the disability is rated from 51 percent to 60 percent; from P1,400 to P7,700 if the disability is rated from 61 percent to 70 percent; from P1,500 to P8,500 if the disability is rated from 71 percent to 80 percent; from P1,600 to P9,300 if the disability is rated from 81 percent to 90 percent; and from P1,700 to P10,000 if the disability is rated from 91 percent to 100 percent, with the addition of P1,000 for the spouse and each unmarried minor child from the previous rate of P500. 

The law also provides that a veteran, upon reaching the age of 70, is “deemed disabled and shall be entitled to a monthly pension of P1,700".