Press Release
July 19, 2009

Pressing for a policy that will institutionalize benefits for military personnel and dependents
ANGARA BATS FOR A MODERNIZATION PROGRAM
FOR THE MEMBERS OF AFP

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pressed for a modernization program that seeks to upgrade facilities and acquire necessary equipments to ensure that the Armed Forces can live up to its constitutional mandates of preserving our national sovereignty.

"Danger is what our military personnel face in every aspect of their job. It is therefore the primary role of the state to afford social protection and ensure improved quality of life of its citizens especially the protectors of the country's sovereignty," emphasized Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

SB 889 or the Military Dependent's Benefits Act seeks to institutionalize health, housing, and education benefits for military personnel and their dependents. This policy would ensure the prosperity and well-being of its citizens through programs that provide adequate social services, promote rising standards of living and an improved quality of life for the members of the Armed Forces.

Under the proposed measure, the dependents of military personnel shall be entitled to educational assistance. For instance, a military dependent who is a college student shall receive Php 6,000 annually, the amount will depend on the educational level of the dependent.

Dependents of military personnel are also entitled to health benefits such as free hospitalization, ambulance services and free dental services to be provided by the AFP Health Facilities located in various parts of the country.

They will also be provided with necessary housing subject to the eligibility and priority system set by the Major Service/Unit Housing Boards of the AFP.

The bill also seeks the creation of a Military Dependents Welfare Office to act as coordinating body for all issues and concerns of military dependents and to facilitate and ensure the swift release of benefits to the dependents.

The Department of National Defense shall, every year allocate a portion of their annual budget for the support of this measure.

News Latest News Feed