MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo ordered yesterday the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippine Veterans’ Administration Office (PVAO) to release P1.2 billion to pay Filipino war veterans.
Mrs. Arroyo announced her directives on her arrival from Hanoi, Vietnam where she participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.
“I have directed the DBM and the PVAO to pay this month P1.2-billion worth of benefits to war veterans, in payment of the arrears of their total administrative disability (benefits) to war veterans,” the President said.
The US Congress last year approved a one-time lump sum for Filipino World War II veterans recognized by the US government.
The government has allotted P17 billion this year for the pension of World War II veterans.
The PVAO said over 270,000 war veterans and beneficiaries currently receive their pensions.
There are four types of retirement funds for veterans – old-age pension; surviving spouse pension; death pension; and regular disability pension.