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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero seeks P20-billion social benefits trust fund for AFP, PNP and other uniformed personnel

Escudero seeks P20-billion social benefits trust fund for AFP, PNP and other uniformed personnel

Published Jul 11, 2025 02:17 pm

At A Glance

  • In seeking approval of Senate Bill No. 276, Escudero said it is only fitting to institutionalize the government's efforts at providing benefits for the country's uniformed personnel, and not just in the form of executive issuances which are subject to change or even cancellation.


Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the creation of a P20-billion trust fund under a law that would cover the comprehensive social benefits of all Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other uniformed personnel.

In seeking approval of Senate Bill No. 276, Escudero said it is only fitting to institutionalize the government’s efforts at providing benefits for the country’s uniformed personnel, and not just in the form of executive issuances which are subject to change or even cancellation.

Under SB No. 276, the proposed Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) will cover members of the PNP, the AFP, the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, CAFGU Active Auxiliary, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as well as their dependents.

“It is about time that we look after the welfare of the people who have been keeping us safe. We vow to constantly look for ways to thank them for their service,” he added.

“It is only right that the needs of our uniformed personnel be met when something happens to them—whether in war or while responding to crime, fire, and other dangerous situations. The same goes for their families and loved ones. This is the responsibility of our government,” the veteran legislator said.

Under the bill, the CSBP trust fund will be maintained and used exclusively for the benefit of uniformed service personnel and their dependents.

In particular, the P20-billion trust will be tapped to finance the

•  Lump sum financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries in the event of death or total permanent disability suffered in the performance of their respective functions;

•. Educational assistance in the form of scholarship programs and study grants provided by relevant government agencies;

•. Financial aid for home construction, rehabilitation or improvement of qualified beneficiaries; and

•  Health and medical assistance under the universal health program and other relevant programs under the Department of Health (DOH).

Related Tags

Chiz Escudero AFP PNP Trust fund uniformed personnel
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