Title
Amendments to Veterans Benefits Act
Law
Republic Act No. 7696
Decision Date
Apr 9, 1994
Republic Act No. 7696 amends Republic Act No. 6948 to provide standardized and upgraded benefits for military veterans and their dependents in the Philippines, including expanded eligibility for educational benefits, revised pension rates, establishment of veterans wards in government hospitals, burial assistance, exemption of pension from income tax and legal proceedings, additional benefits from local governments, and funding.
A

Pension Rates for Disabled Veterans

  • Veterans disabled due to service-related conditions receive monthly pensions based on disability percentage, ranging from P1,000 (10%-30%) to P1,700 (91%-100%).
  • Additional pension of P500 per month provided for spouse and each unmarried minor child.
  • Veterans aged 70 or over, regardless of disability status, are deemed 100% disabled and entitled to the highest pension plus dependents' allowance.
  • Pension is not granted if a similar pension is already received from other government sources or the U.S. government.

Old-Age Pension for Veterans

  • Veterans aged 65 or older receive a monthly old-age pension of P1,000 for life.
  • Pension is increased annually by at least P500 starting January 1995, targeting a minimum of P5,000 monthly.
  • Pension is not granted if a similar pension is received from other government funds or the U.S. government.

Pension for Surviving Spouses

  • Surviving spouses of veterans receive a monthly pension of P1,000 regardless of age.
  • Pension continues until remarriage or death.
  • Pension is separate from death pension and subject to annual increases similar to old-age pensions.
  • Not granted if a similar pension is already received from other funds or the U.S. government.

Death Pension Eligibility and Benefits

  • Death pensions granted to surviving spouses, unmarried minor children, or parents where the veteran died in line of duty or due to service-related causes.
  • Monthly pension of P1,000 for each eligible dependent until certain conditions such as remarriage or reaching adulthood are met.
  • Not granted if similar pension is received from other sources.

Establishment of Veterans' Wards in Government Hospitals

  • Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to coordinate with government hospitals to establish veterans' wards with a minimum capacity of 2,000 beds.
  • At least one veterans' ward required in each province and city not serving as provincial capital.
  • Hospitals must inform PVAO of veteran confinements for timely payment of hospitalization expenses.
  • Remitted funds to hospitals are retained for hospital operations.

Burial Assistance

  • Funeral expenses reimbursed up to P10,000 for deceased veterans upon formal application within two years from the veteran’s death.
  • Not granted if funeral expenses are covered by similar benefits from the U.S. government.

Tax Exemption and Protection of Pensions

  • Veterans’ pensions are exempt from income tax, attachment, execution, forfeiture, or garnishment under any legal or equitable proceedings.
  • Exception for voluntary membership dues to the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, deducted only with beneficiary consent.

Additional Benefits from Local Governments

  • Veterans and their dependents may receive additional benefits from their respective local governments notwithstanding other laws.

Funding Provisions

  • Benefits funded through the Department of National Defense’s annual general appropriations.
  • Initial implementation funds sourced from available government savings and funds.

Repealing and Effectivity Clauses

  • Existing laws inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.