President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted an increase in the lifetime monthly gratuity pay of existing Medal of Valor awardees during the 88th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday, Dec. 21.
Only a few are chosen to receive the Medal of Valor, the highest combat award given by the AFP, but the Chief Executive's decision to pay them higher has a direct impact to the entire military organization, according to Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson.
"Their show of courage in times of extreme danger while performing the task of protecting our people and state cannot actually be compensated, especially those who gave up their life," Aguilar said on Friday, Dec. 22.
"Their action is noble and beyond the call of duty," he continued.
The Medal of Valor is given to a soldier who perform "a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuously as to distinguish him above his comrades." To date, there are 41 Medal of Valor awardees.
Under Republic Act 9049, a Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity pay of P20,000 which is separate from the pension and salary s/he is receiving. Then President Rodrigo Duterte increased the gratuity pay to P75,000 in 2016.
In case that the award is posthumously given, the gratuity pay goes to their spouse or children.
The awardee, widow, or dependents are also entitled by the law to be prioritized when applying for work in government, government housing programs, loans not exceeding P500,000 and lease or acquisition of public lands.
They are also exempted from paying tuition in public and private schools, universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. They can take up either medicine or law.
If their children want to enter the Philippine Military Academy, they will also be prioritized for direct commission if qualified.
Further, they are also entitled to get 20 percent discount from hotels, transportation services, restaurants, theaters, carnivals, and when buying medicines among others. Private establishments may claim tax credits.
Government officials or corporations that deny the awardee his/her privileges face up to six years of imprisonment and penalty of up to P300,000.
With the enhanced benefits, Aguilar said that it is but right to give the appreciation to soldiers who went beyond the call of duty to serve the people and the country which earned them the Medal of Valor.
"They deserve the raise and the respect of every Filipino," Aguilar said.