Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 610)
The short title of Republic Act No. 610 is the "Armed Forces Death Gratuity and Disability Pension Act of 1951."
Under this Act, 'officer' means any commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or Philippine Constabulary, whether regular or reserve, probationary second lieutenant, cadet of the Philippine Military Academy, and aviation or naval cadet.
An 'enlisted man' is defined as any person regularly enlisted in the Armed Forces of the Philippines or Philippine Constabulary, or an enlisted reservist, or any trainee duly accepted and sworn in for trainee instruction under the National Defense Act.
A gratuity of three thousand pesos is given in lump sum. The widow receives one-half, and the other half is divided equally among the children not emancipated. If no widow or children, the gratuity goes to the father and mother equally.
Pensions range from P30 to P100 monthly depending on disability rating from 25% to total. Additional amounts of P30 or P40 are added for specific anatomical losses or loss of use.
The Philippine Veterans Board administers the funds appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Active service means any active duty in the Regular or Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or in the Philippine Constabulary, including periods of military training as cadet, trainee, probationary second lieutenant, or reservist.
If a beneficiary dies before final settlement, his or her share passes to intestate heirs under the Civil Code.
Employment of a pensionee in any government service or government-owned corporation automatically terminates the pension right, but this right is revived upon separation from such employment.
Yes, any gratuity or pension received under this Act shall be in addition to any retirement pay payable under existing laws, except for those who received benefits under Republic Act No. 573.
The gratuity shall be payable to the father and mother equally if both survive the deceased.
This Act takes effect as of January 1, 1951.
Such a person shall be deemed to have been in sound physical and mental condition at the time of entry, except for noted defects recorded or clear medical evidence to the contrary.
Commonwealth Act Numbered Four Hundred and section ninety-one-A of the National Defense Act, as amended, are repealed, along with provisions of Republic Act No. 30 and other laws granting similar benefits.
Widow includes the wife or husband of Armed Forces personnel not legally separated by final judicial decree from the deceased.