DISABLED veterans and their dependents will enjoy a more dependable and stable source of income after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. signed the law increasing their monthly disability pension by as much as five-fold, according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

“With the recent signing of the law increasing pension benefits for disabled veterans, a brighter future awaits those who have selflessly served our nation,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 311-member House of Representatives.

“This significant step ensures that disabled veterans will not only receive the recognition they deserve but also gain the financial support they need to lead fulfilling lives, free from the economic burden of their disabilities. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to our heroes, demonstrating that we stand with them, providing the means for a more secure and dignified future,” he added.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11958 or “An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans” was signed by President Marcos last August 24.

It amends RA 6948, which was enacted in 1990 to provide a monthly pension to veterans who were disabled due to sickness, disease or injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Under the new law, a veteran’s disability benefit has seen a remarkable increase, soaring from the current P1,000 to P4,500—a surge of 350 percent.

Consequently, veterans who were receiving the highest disability benefit of P1,700 will now receive P10,000, marking a 488 percent increase in their benefits under the newly enacted legislation.

Speaker Romualdez noted that disabilities often limit a veteran’s ability to work and earn a living.

“Thus, a more substantial disability pension ensures that veterans and their dependents have a reliable source of income to cover daily living expenses, healthcare costs, and other essential needs,” he pointed out.

According to the House leader, veterans who suffer from disabilities incurred during their service also require ongoing medical care and assistance.

“A higher disability pension provides them with the financial means to access the necessary medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and support services to improve their quality of life,” he said.

Since families of disabled veterans often bear the financial and caregiving burdens associated with disabilities, Speaker Romualdez said a higher pension can alleviate some of these pressures, allowing families to better support their loved ones and maintain their own well-being.

The disability pension rates have been adjusted as follows: from

P1,000 to P4,500 if the disability is rated from 10% to 30%; from

P1,100 to P5,300 if the disability is rated from 31% to 40%; from

P1,200 to P6,100 if the disability is rated from 41% to 50%; from

P1,300 to P6,900 if the disability is rated from 51% to 60%; from

P1,400 to P7,700 if the disability is rated from 61% to 70%; from

P1,500 to P8,500 if the disability is rated from 71% to 80%; from

P1,600 to P9,300 if the disability is rated from 81% to 90%; and from

P1,700 to P10,000 if the disability is rated from 91% to 100%, with the addition of P1,000 for the spouse and each unmarried minor child from the previous rate of P500.

The new law also provides that a veteran, upon reaching the age of 70, is “deemed disabled and shall be entitled to a monthly pension of P1,700.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco