Expressing disgust at the meager disability pension of veterans, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is hoping his bill that seeks to increase the amount will finally make headway in the current 19th Congress.
Estrada said Senate Bill No. 1480 seeks to upgrade the 28-year-old existing law on the disability pension of veterans.
He said the measly P1,000 to P1,700 monthly pension for military veterans and their dependents under the existing provisions of RA 6948 is contemptible given the high cost of living today.
“This time, I’m optimistic that this measure will gain the support of my colleagues in both Houses and correct the grave injustice to our disabled veterans by providing them the dignity, respect, and care that they truly deserve,” the senator said.
Following his sponsorship of the bill last November 22, Estrada said it is now in the period of interpellation in the Senate.
“I’m hoping to steer its approval before we adjourn sine die,” he said.
Estrada said he has also started the public hearing on the proposed Reservist Employment Act or Senate Bill No. 1228 under the labor committee.
The proposed measure intends to provide the same level of protection and support to members of the reserve force in recognition of their important contribution to nation-building and in honor of their selflessness in offering their precious time, skills, and service to the country.
Reservists provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion, or rebellion, and assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities.
Estrada also filed Senate Bill No. 1601, or the proposed Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the AFP.
The measure seeks to limit the three-year fixed term for AFP officials.
“The lower house version had been approved on third and final reading and I expect this to be taken up by the Senate as well as it had been certified as urgent by the President last December 9,” he said.