Veterans seek PNoy's help for release of P15-B unpaid benefits

MANILA, Philippines - Surviving World War II veterans and their dependents are asking President Benigno Aquino III to already intervene for the immediate release of their P15-billion unpaid benefits.

Numbering to around 100,000, members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Sons and Daughters, Association (VFPSDA) made the appeal to the President, who had promised to work on the release of their benefits.’

"The benefits that the President mentioned in his speech during the ceremonial rites in Bataan were only half fulfilled and we have yet to see all promised benefits fulfilled,” said lawyer Ed Pilapil on behalf of the VFPSDA.

Pilapil said there have been partial releases in the past, but the bulk has yet to be released.

Considering the age and health status of the veterans, Pilapil said the government must prioritize the release of their benefits.

“We want the full implementation of the benefits for veterans as provided for under RA 7696," said Pilapil, referring to the Total Administrative Disability Pension (TADP) for veterans and non-WWII veterans.

The passing of the R.A. 7696 in 1994, entitled veterans (including non-WWII veterans) should get additional P1,700 a month each and P500 a month for each widow if a veteran passes away. This is on top of the old-age pension of P5,000 a month per veteran.

Pilapil said all these unpaid additional financial benefits due to the WW II veterans and dependents has already ballooned to P15 billion.

But Pilapil noted that since the law was enacted in 1994, it has not been included by Congress and the Executive branch in the national budget.

It can be recalled that last April 9, during the celebration of the Fall of Bataan, President Aquino vowed to look after the welfare of WWII veterans as gratitude for playing a vital role in protecting fellow Filipinos during the Japanese occupancy.

Currently, there are less than 20,000 WWII veterans still alive seeking for the immediate payment of the unpaid benefits.

Families of the veterans who have passed away are also hopeful that they too would soon receive the additional financial benefits.