Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9049)
The State consistently honors its military heroes to strengthen patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness by providing due recognition, adequate social services, and financial rewards to Medal of Valor awardees.
A Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000).
No, the gratuity is exempt from taxation under Title III, Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 8424, the Tax Reform Act of 1997.
The gratuity shall accrue in equal shares with the right of accretion to the surviving spouse until she remarries and to the children, whether legitimate, adopted, or illegitimate, until they reach eighteen years old or marry, whichever comes earlier.
They have precedence in employment in government agencies or government-owned or controlled corporations (subject to job qualifications) and priority in the approval of housing applications under existing government housing programs.
They can obtain loans from government-owned or controlled financial institutions up to Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) without the need to provide collateral, pledge, or mortgage.
They are entitled to a 20% discount on transportation services, hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, purchase of medicine, and admission fees to theaters, cinemas, concert halls, and other cultural and amusement places.
Yes, they are entitled to free medical and dental services and consultations in hospitals and clinics anywhere in the country; private hospitals and clinics may claim the cost as tax credit.
They are exempted from payment of tuition and matriculation fees in public or private educational institutions for courses from pre-school to post-graduate, including MD, LLB, BSN, and allied courses.
They face imprisonment from three to six years and fines ranging from One hundred thousand to Three hundred thousand pesos. Public officers committing the offense also face perpetual absolute disqualification from public office and loss of retirement or gratuity benefits, with restitution liabilities.