Imelda gets pension for FM’s war service

This former jet-setter is now a pensionada.

Imelda Marcos, once known for her extravagant lifestyle, will now receive a monthly government pension of P4,500 as the widow of a World War II officer despite doubts cast on the veteran’s heroism.

In typical Imeldific fashion, the former first lady turned a simple handover ceremony into a dramatic affair, saying she hoped it would be the start of the rebuilding of the tattered image of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

"I hope the issue of his being a soldier will be put to rest. After all he’s been dead for 12 years," a teary-eyed Mrs. Marcos said after receiving two checks totaling P46,500 from Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes in his office at Camp Aguinaldo.

"I am really very, very grateful," she said.

The checks for P24,000 and P22,500 represent accumulated pension for this year. Mrs. Marcos can still claim retroactive pension from 1994, the year the late dictator’s veteran status was approved.

In between sobs, the former first lady thanked Reyes for the decision to approve her husband’s pension for military service.

"I sincerely appreciate this act ... my husband has always been recognized as a veteran and served as commander-in-chief for a long time. We hope all the right things will come after this... we have been crying for justice for so long," she said.

Asked if she would pursue her intention of having her husband buried at the Libingan ng Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City, the former first lady said, "it will depend on authorities at the proper time."

Reyes defended the government’s decision, saying the defense department received an application for the pension two weeks ago.

Asked if he considered Marcos a hero, the former Armed Forces chief replied, "he did service to the country during World War II and served as commander-in-chief. He deserves whatever honor comes along his way."

Marcos, who was toppled in a popular revolt for allegedly stealing billions from the state coffers during his 20-year rule, once boasted of being one of the most decorated heroes of World War II.

Historians later found evidence that some of his medals were fake and that his military record had been greatly exaggerated.

The DND public affairs office said the highest rank Marcos received was that of major, being an assistant G2 (intelligence) of the Army’s 21st division. He ended his military service on March 1, 1946.

It can be recalled that when he was still president, Marcos applied for pension with the US government, citing his stint as leader of a guerrilla unit called "Maharlika" where he claimed to have earned various medals for gallantry.

US authorities, however, disapproved his application for pension after investigation indicated that some of the medals were fake.