Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6948)
The policy of the State is to foster the socioeconomic security and general well-being of the country's veterans in recognition of their patriotic services during times of war and peace, aiming for national unity, independence, socioeconomic advancement, and maintenance of peace and order.
A veteran is any person who rendered military service in the Philippine land, sea, or air forces during specific wars or campaigns like the revolution against Spain, Philippine-American War, World War II, Korean Campaign, Vietnam Campaign, Anti-Dissidence Campaign, or other wars, or who served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with at least six years of active cumulative service, or was separated earlier due to death or disability incurred in the line of duty.
Veterans or their dependents who have not previously enjoyed educational benefits under Philippine or US law are entitled to study in any government-authorized institution with all fees (tuition, matriculation, athletic, library, laboratory, medical, military training, diploma, and graduation fees) paid at the Government's expense upon certification by the Administrator.
Monthly pensions range from 600 pesos for 10-30% disability up to 1,125 pesos for 100% disability, with an additional 150 pesos monthly for each spouse and unmarried minor child.
For WWII officers and enlisted personnel, pension is effective on the day the application is received but not earlier than the law's approval date; for other veterans, it is effective either the day after discharge if applied within one year or the day the application is received if later.
A monthly pension of 600 pesos plus 150 pesos each for the spouse and unmarried minor children.
Veterans aged 65 or older receive a monthly old-age pension of 500 pesos, unless they are already receiving a similar pension from other government funds or the US Government.
Surviving spouse and unmarried minor children of veterans who died in line of duty or as a result of service-related causes, and indigent parents in default of the former, with specific monthly pension rates for each.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office provides a burial flag to drape the veteran's casket and a burial assistance money of 4,000 pesos to the next of kin upon application.
No, pensions are exempt from income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or retention under any legal or equitable proceedings.
The application will be disapproved or voided, all pending benefits forfeited, and upon conviction, the offender may be fined up to 2,000 pesos, imprisoned up to six months, or both, and must refund any amounts disbursed.
Benefits may be withheld if the Commission on Human Rights certifies that the veteran has been found guilty by final judgment of gross human rights violations while in service; this does not affect the next of kin.
It provides hospitalization, medical care, and treatment in designated facilities such as Veterans Memorial Medical Center and veterans wards in government hospitals to eligible veterans, retirees, disabled veterans, their dependents, and authorized persons.
No fee or compensation shall be charged to any veteran or beneficiary for services rendered related to claims, and no deductions from pensions are allowed unless expressly authorized by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
Periodic re-evaluation is done as necessary by the Disability Rating Board except when the disability is static, permanent with no likelihood of improvement, or when the veteran is aged 57 or over.