Press Release
December 23, 2008

ANGARA SEEKS TO REWARD MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
In celebration of AFP's anniversary and with Christmas fast-approaching

ANGARA SEEKS TO REWARD MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

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 authored various social legislations such as the Philhealth Law and Senior Citizens Act.

He added, "It is the duty of the state to provide adequate social services to the defenders of the nation. In these small ways of providing them social protection, we can pay them utmost respect and gratitude for preserving national security."

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 Php 5 Billion is not enough to make the AFP really effective.

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 also 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.

"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.

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