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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House OKs bill designating April as Philippine Veterans Month

House OKs bill designating April as Philippine Veterans Month

Published Feb 11, 2026 11:22 pm

At A Glance

  • With 218 "yes" votes, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a measure declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month.
The Philippine flag (Unsplash)
The Philippine flag (Unsplash)


With 218 "yes" votes, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a measure declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month.
Passed during plenary session Wednesday night was House Bill (HB) No. 7301, principally authored by House Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos.
“Let’s pay tribute to them and recognize their bravery and heroism and the sacrifices they have made for our country so we can enjoy freedom,” Marcos noted.
That the measure was overwhelmingly approved during nominal voting showed the 300-plus strong chamber’s broad support for strengthening institutional recognition of veterans’ contributions to nation-building and the defense of freedom.
Marcos--who actively steered the bill through the plenary--said the proposed law gives Filipinos a wider platform to remember and honor those who served the country in times of war and conflict.
HB No. 7301 reinforces the Constitution’s mandate for the State to care for Filipino veterans, not only through symbolic gestures but through concrete programs and sustained support.
“During this whole month of celebration, let us conduct programs and activities in recognition of our veterans. More importantly, let us provide the benefits and services due them,” Marcos added.
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and former president and incumbent Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were among the measure's co-authors.
The bill tasks the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant agencies to lead and coordinate activities in observance of Philippine Veterans Month.
These activities are intended to highlight veterans’ patriotic sacrifices and underscore their role in safeguarding the country and the Filipino people, while also strengthening public awareness of veterans’ welfare and entitlements.
Local government units (LGUs, other state offices and private organizations are encouraged to support and participate in commemorative programs and activities throughout the month of April, fostering a whole-of-society approach to honoring veterans.
The PVAO, DND and other concerned agencies are tasked to issue the implementing rules and regulations for the law.
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