Presidential Certificates for Families of Fallen AFP Members

Section 2 provides that certificates of appreciation are issued to qualifying widows, parents, and next of kin upon proper application.
Section 2 defines “widow” to include a widower.
Section 2 defines “parents” to include mother, father, step-mother, step-father, mother or father through adoption, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis.
Section 2 defines “next of kin” to include children, stepchildren, children through adoption, brothers, sisters, half-brothers and half-sisters.
Section 2 defines “World War II” to include the period from December 8, 1941 to July 25, 1947.

Section 2 requires that certificates be issued upon application.
Section 2 directs applicants to submit the application to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Section 2 makes the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines the receiving authority for applications for the certificates of appreciation.

Section 1 recognizes the debt of the Filipino people to the covered families of AFP members who die in line of duty.
Section 1 includes deaths in World War II and deaths in any war or period of armed conflict involving the security of the Philippines.
Section 1 applies to both past losses (“lost”) and future losses (“shall lose”) occurring within the covered timeframes and conflicts.

Section 3 provides that the Act takes effect upon its approval.
The Act was approved June 12, 1954.
Section 3 establishes no publication or transitory waiting period as a condition for effectivity beyond approval.