‘Prioritize bill on higher pension for disabled veterans’

MANILA, Philippines — The 28-year-old law of providing the measly amount of P1,000 to P1,700 monthly pension for military veterans and their dependents should be increased, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said.

Estrada expressed optimism that his Senate Bill 1480 would make headway in the 19th Congress.

“When Senate resumes its regular sessions on Jan. 23, I’m hoping that Senate Bill 1480 will finally make headway in the current 19th Congress,” he said.

“The measly amount of P1,000 to P1,700 monthly pension for military veterans and their dependents under the existing provisions of Republic Act 6948 is contemptible, given the high cost of living today,” he stressed.

Estrada said several attempts had been made in previous Congresses to pass this bill but for some reason, it failed to go through.

“This time, however, I’m optimistic that this measure will gain the support of my colleagues in both Houses and correct the grave injustice to our disabled veterans by providing them the dignity, respect and care that they truly deserve,” he added.

He noted that the measure is now in the period of interpellation following his sponsorship of the bill on Nov. 22.

Labor-centered

“Under my stewardship, the committee on labor, employment and human resources development will seek to institute policies that will lead to the development of competent caregivers in the country and ensure their decent employment in which they will be protected from abuse, harassment, violence and economic exploitation,” said Estrada.

He said he filed a bill similar to Senate Bill 1440 or the proposed Caregivers Welfare Act during the 16th Congress.

“This time around, I’m confident that we will be able to pass this into law which is rather significant as there has been a considerable rise in the demand for home-based caregivers in the country in 2021 due to COVID-19.”

“Caregivers, like our housekeepers, contribute greatly to our daily lives because they share not only their invaluable knowledge and skills in their service. They also wholeheartedly serve our loved ones. Therefore, it is appropriate to give them the appropriate appreciation and protection against abuses,” Estrada said.

He said he has started the public hearing on the proposed Reservist Employment Act or Senate Bill 1228 under the labor committee.

The proposed measure intends to provide the same level of protection and support to the country’s reserve force in recognition of their important contribution to nation-building and in honor of their selflessness in offering their time, skills and service to the country.

“They provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion and also assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities,” he added.

Last Dec. 6, Estrada also filed Senate Bill 1601 or the proposed Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The measure seeks to limit the three-year fixed term for AFP officials.

“The lower house version had been approved on third and final reading and I expect this to be taken up by the Senate as well as it had been certified as urgent by the President last Dec. 9,” he said.

“In the weeks ahead, I will seek the convening of the congressional oversight committee on the AFP Modernization Act to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the status of our defense force’s modernization program,” said Estrada.

“As chairperson of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation, it is my duty to oversee the implementation of the law, whether it is aligned to the current needs and situation, and ensure the sufficient capability of the military,” he said.