ANGARA FILES BILL EXPANDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO JAIL OFFICERS, NBI AGENTS, DRUG ENFORCERS, COAST GUARD

Senator Sonny Angara has filed a bill that seeks to expand the coverage of the law granting special financial assistance to police and military personnel killed-in-duty to include personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

At present, pursuant to Republic Act 6963 enacted in 1990, only families and beneficiaries of personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who are killed or permanently incapacitated while on the line of duty are entitled to special financial assistance, including scholarship and employment privileges.

"Soldiers, policemen and firemen are not the only government frontliners who risk life and limb to safeguard the safety of all Filipinos and preserve peace in our country. The families of our jail officers, NBI agents, drug enforcers and the coast guard undoubtedly deserve the same benefits should they meet their untimely demise while on the job," Angara said.

Under Senate Bill 1264, a special financial assistance equivalent to six months salary, including allowances and bonuses, will be provided to the families and beneficiaries of any personnel of the PNP, AFP, BFP, BJMP, NBI, PDEA and PCG killed or permanently incapacitated while in the line of duty.

All surviving children will be extended scholarship, including payment of tuition and miscellaneous fees, up to college, while surviving spouses will be given priority in employment in a government agency or office where their qualifications are fitted.

If any personnel is injured or wounded in the performance of his/her official duties, the hospitalization expenses will be shouldered by the government.

Due to the slow delivery of benefits, the proposed measure seeks to create a Dependents Welfare Office to prevent redundancy and expedite the grant of benefits.

"Present circumstances, including ongoing maritime disputes and the escalated drive against criminality and drug use, make the passage of this measure imperative. Such assistance befits the selfless service offered by our brave personnel to the nation," Angara said.