Press Release
September 16, 2008

AFP Modernization should include improved welfare of military personnel
ANGARA PUSHES FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pushed 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, Angara stressed that more than providing them with weapons we must also arm our military with better social services and improved benefits.

"Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should be accompanied by better and more improved benefits for the military personnel and their dependents," said Angara, who also authored various social 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."

Recently, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the Department of National Defense aired the need for additional funds for AFP modernization in order to improve the capability of the military. He said that the current allocation of Php5 Billion is not enough to make the AFP really effective.

"Our soldiers are not only facing physical harms but are also exposed to greater social risks and vulnerabilities. And it is the primary role of the state to afford social protection and ensure improved quality of life of its citizens," 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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