By Nestor Abrematea
PALO, ,Leyte–President Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to sign into law this month the increased monthly pension of World War II veterans, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina announced during the 74th Leyte Gulf Landings held October 20 at MacArthur Shrine here.
Administrator Carolina said he expects that President Duterte will sign the law which is now in Malacañang Palace.
Carolina told Manila Bulletin that the monthly pension of World War II veterans will now be P20,000.00 monthly.
He said there are 6,040 World War II veterans nationwide who will benefit from the new law.
“President Duterte is expected to sign into law the increased monthly pension of all World War II veterans this month. They will be receiving P20,000.00 monthly,” Carolina told The Manila Bulletin.
He said that aside from the increased monthly pension, World War II veterans are provided free medication and medical services at the Veterans Hospital in Quezon City and they also enjoy the senior citizens benefit discount.
World War II Veteran Felicidad Palaña,93 years old from Brgy. San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte, who heard of the news welcomed the latest development of their pension.
Palaña, who attended the 74th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration, said that at present he is only getting P7,100.00 monthly pension from PVAO.
“This is a big matter for us World War II veterans because this is a big help,” Palaña expressed his joy to Manila Bulletin of the news.
“The provincial government of Leyte under Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, Vice Gov. Carlo P. Loreto and the municipality of Palo led by Mayor Remedios L.Petilla led in the commemoration of the historic landing of US legendary commander Gen. Doughlas MacArthur on October 20, 1944 and liberated Leyte from the Japanese occupation.
MacArthur popularized the statement “I Shall Return”.
Also present during the commemorative program on Saturday were Maj. Gen.. Raul N. Farnacio, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division and Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy, bridge commander both of the Philippine Army and representatives of Japan Embassy and Allied countries.
Bron: www.news.mb.com.ph