Libreng edukasyon sa anak ng namatay sa sundalo't pulis

ISINULONG ng aking anak na si Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada ang pagtitiyak ng libreng edukasyon sa mga anak ng sundalo at pulis na namamatay habang gumaganap ng tungkulin sa bayan.

Sa kanyang Senate Bill 753, nais ni Jinggoy na bigyan ng pamahalaan ng pang-tuition, book allowance, school supplies, uniporme, pamasahe at food assistance hanggang sa pagtatapos ng secondary education ang mga anak ng sinumang miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine National Police (PNP) na mamamatay “in the line of duty.”

Aniya, “The death of a soldier or a policeman does not only mean that the country lost one of its brave warriors and defenders. It also means the loss of a father or a mother. The tragedy continues on to his or her children, who may have to stop schooling due to the breadwinner’s demise. The soldier’s or policeman’s poor family is pushed deeper into poverty, and this is because that gallant soldier or policeman put his life on the line for the sake of the country. This (bill) is in recognition of their contribution to preserving the national integrity and security of the country. While a financial grant cannot match their priceless act of sacrifice, it intends to secure their family’s welfare even when they are gone.”

Ang panukala ay ini-refer na sa Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs at Committee on National Defense and Security para sa kaukulang pagtalakay. Iginiit ni Jinggoy na kailangan nang mapagtibay ang hakbangin sa harap ng pagkamatay ng sundalo at pulis sa iba’t ibang insidente, tulad ng serye ng pag-atake ng Moro Islamic

Li­beration Front (MILF) at Abu Sayyaf tulad ng nangyari sa Al-Barka, Basilan noong Oktubre 18 na ikina­maty ng 19 na sundalo.

Happy birthday: Camarines Sur Rep. Noli Fuentebella (October 29) at Cagayan Governor Edgar Lara (Oct 30).