Veterans to get additional burial assistance

House Bill No. 694 under Committee Report No. 57, or bill increasing the burial assistance for veterans has been approved on third and final reading in the Senate.

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security and the sponsor of the said measure in the Senate, said that in recognition of the patriotic service of the country's veterans in times of war and peace, it is just appropriate for the government to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of veterans after their demise. It is suitable to accord our veterans, who risked their lives for the protection of our liberty and democracy, with decent burial befitting men in uniform."

Under HBN 694, burial assistance for veterans will be increased from P10,000 to P20,000.

"It was 20 years ago since the burial assistance for our veterans was increased through RA 7696. With the burial expenses having considerably increased over time, it is necessary that the burial assistance to the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran be likewise increased. Although this amount may not be enough to defray all the costs for the burial of our beloved veterans, we hope that this would help their families in their time need," Trillanes explained.

"The House of Representatives has also passed HBN 694 on third reading. It is our fervent hope that the President will act upon this measure and provide this much needed support for our veterans," Trillanes added.