Press Release
October 26, 2009

ANGARA BATS FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO MILITARY
PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged the Senate for the passage of a law that seeks to institutionalize health, housing, and education benefits for military personnel and their dependents. Recognizing the vital role of the military in protecting the country's sovereignty, safety and wellness, Angara stressed that more than providing them with weapons we must also arm our military with better social services and improved benefits.

"Modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should be accompanied by social support for the military personnel and their dependents," said Angara who is also the author of various social welfare legislations such as the Philhealth and Senior Citizens Act.

He added, "It is the duty of the state to provide adequate social services to the defenders of the nation."

"Our soldiers are not only facing the threat of physical harm but are also exposed to great social risks like poverty and the lack of support in housing, education and health for their families," Angara added.

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.

In addition to that, 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.

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