handbook on veterans benefits

H a n d b o o k o n V e t e r a n s B e n e f i t s & S e r v i c e s Page 2

I. CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE

The State shall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans. Funds shall be provided therefore and due consideration shall be given them in the disposition of agricultural lands of the public domain and, in appropriate cases, in the utilization of natural resources. - Section 7, Art XVI, 1987 Philippine Constitution

II. MISSION

To deliver veterans benefits and services with utmost dedication, efficiency and compassion to improve the veterans general welfare and perpetuate the memory of their heroic deeds. III. VISION

A dynamic, committed, and effective organization imbued with the highest standards of integrity, competence and professionalism in delivering benefits and services to all veterans and their beneficiaries, promoting their general welfare and immortalizing the veterans heroic deeds. IV. PVAO QUALITY POLICY

PVAO is committed to meet or exceed the veterans expectations. This can be achieved by: Knowing the veterans and their needs; Partnering with veteran organizations and other concerned agencies Sustaining a responsive service delivery system; Making continual improvement a part of every day and every duty.

A. Pension Benefits

Old Age Pension Disability

Pension Death Pension

B. Non-Pension Benefits Educational Benefit Burial Assistance Veterans Preference

C. Hospitalization & Healthcare Benefits VMMC Services (Outpatient

& In-patient Services) Veterans Hospitalization

Program

IV. MAJOR FINAL OUTPUTS

1. ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR VETERANS BENEFITS

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B. National Observances & Commemoration of National Historic Events

2. PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR

NATIONAL MILITARY SHRINES

3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS A. To supervise & assist veterans affairs management in organizations of

veterans, widows and their families to harmonize their efforts and revitalize a unified Filipino Veterans Community;

B. To assist the Secretary of National Defense in the over-all supervision of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines as a government-owned corporation created by law for the benefit of veterans, pursuant to RA 2640;

C. To assist in the management of assets & properties awarded by the state to our veterans and their beneficiaries thereby empowering veterans and ensuring social equity in distribution of revenues, dividends and other proceeds thereof.

H a n d b o o k o n V e t e r a n s B e n e f i t s & S e r v i c e s

C. Conduct of Historical Research & Publication

A. Management of National Military Shrines & Museums


Who is a Veteran?

A VETERAN is any person who rendered military service ...

in the land, sea or air force of the Philippines during the Revolution against Spain and World

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as a member of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) and was honorably discharged;

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as a member of the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) and was honorably discharged;

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and has been honorably discharged or separated after at least six years total cumulative active service (pursuant to RA 6948) prior to 03 April 2007;

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but separated from service due to death (officers or enlisted personnel who were killed-in-action (KIA) or died in line-of-duty (LOD);

in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but separated due to disability arising from a wound or injury received or sickness or disease incurred in line of duty while in the active service; or those who were separated through Complete Disability Discharge (CDD) as certified by AFP Medical Center.

rendered military service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and has been honorably discharged or separated after at least twenty (20) years total cumulative active service pursuant to RA 9396 that took effect on 03 April 2007 and was honorably discharged.

for a minimum of six years of military service in the Philippine Constabulary (PC) which was then under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) prior to integration in the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1991 and was honorably discharged;

for a minimum of six years of military service in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) when it was still part of the Philippine Navy AFP and was honorably discharged;


Veterans Benefits & Services

Basis of benefit Sec. 10 of RA 6948 as amended by Sec. 3 of RA 7696

Persons Eligible All veterans or

Surviving spouses

Effectivity 65th birthday of the veteran or

Death of veteran

Amount

PhP 5,000/month

Basic Requirements Proof of Service: Military Service Record/s Proof of Birth : Birth Certificate Proof of Identity: Valid IDs

for a minimum of six years of military service in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) when it was still part of the Philippine Navy AFP and was honorably discharged;

I. Pension Benefits

A. Old Age Pension


B. Disability Pension


The veteran is disabled owing to sickness, disease, wounds or injuries sustained in line of duty

Persons Eligible

World War II veterans who were disabled or injured in line of duty

AFP veterans with a disability discharge rating

Spouse and unmarried minor children of veterans with a 100% disability rating

Disability Rating

Amount of Pension

10% - 30% P1,000.00

40% 1,100.00

50%

1,200.00

60% 1,300.00

70% 1,400.00

80% 1,500.00

90% 1,600.00

100% 1,700.00


C. Death Indemnity / Survivorship Pension

Basis of benefit

Sec. 12 of RA 6948 as amended by Sec. 5 of RA 7696

The veteran was killed in action (KIA) or died in line of duty (LOD)

The veteran is a disability pensioner who died due to a service-connected disability or sickness

Persons Eligible Surviving spouse and

Unmarried minor child or

Parent

Effectivity

Death of veteran

Beneficiary/ies Amount

Surviving spouse PhP 1,000/month

Unmarried minor child PhP 1,000/month

Parents (each) PhP 1,000/month

Single Parent (with accretion) PhP 2,000/month


D. Total Administrative Disability Pension

Basis of benefit RA 7696

Seventy years of age

Persons Eligible All veterans

Effectivity

70th birthday of the veteran or

Death of veteran

Amount

PhP 1,700/month

Pursuant to Section 5-h of Republic act No, 7696 enacted in 1994, a veteran, with or without a service-connected or non-service connected disability, upon reaching the age of seventy (70) is deemed totally disabled with one hundred per centum (100%) rating and shall be entitled to a monthly pension of One thousand seven hundred pesos (P1,700.00) plus Five hundred pesos (P500.00) for the spouse and each unmarried minor children . However, it was only in April 2010 that government was able to include a provision for the payment of TAD pension for living WWII veterans. The gap between the laws passage and the time that government paid TAD pension resulted in unpaid pension obligations, prompting PVAO to adopt the following order of priority in the payment of TAD arrearages given the limited funds from the national government, to wit:

Order of Priority in TAD Pension Arrears Payment

1. Living World War II Veterans Born 1930 and below

2. Surviving spouses of WWII veterans who died between 9 April 1994 to December 2009

3. Living Post War Veterans 80 Years Old and Above

4. Living Post WWII Veterans 70-79 Years Old

5. Compulsory legal heirs of veterans who died without receiving any TAD pension benefit


II. Non-Pension Benefits

A. Burial Assistance


Beneficiaries Next of kin of deceased veteran or whoever paid for burial expenses

Nature of Benefit Philippine flag to drape the casket of a deceased veteran

PhP 20,000

Limitation

Must be filed within two years from the veterans death

Basic Requirements

Proof of Service: Military Service Record/s Proof of Death : Veterans Death Certificate Proof of Expense : Official Receipt for Funeral Services Proof of Identity: Claimants Valid IDs


B. Educational Benefit


Beneficiaries WWII Veterans

Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) or Philippine civic action Group (PHILCAG) Veteran

Surviving spouse of an eligible veteran

Nature of Benefit Payment of school fees not to exceed PhP36,000 per year (PhP18,000 per semester / P12,000/trimester)

Limitations Each veteran is entitled to one educational benefit only

Basic Requirements

Proof of Service: Military Service Record/s

Proof of Filiation : Birth Certificate of the Waivee /

Student Ward; Marriage Certificate of the Waivees Parent Waiver : Executed by the veterans children in favor of the waivee in case the veteran and the spouse are both deceased

Proof of Identity: Claimants Valid IDs; Waivees / Student-Wards IDs and school credentials


III. Hospitalization & Healthcare Benefits

A. VMMC Services (Outpatient & In-patient Services)

VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER - the only medical facility exclusive for veterans (World War II & Post War Veterans: Retirees from AFP or those who are defined as veteran per RA 6948) and their dependents: spouses, unmarried minor children, mentally or physically incapacitated children regardless of age, parents or foster parents regardless of the veterans civil status).

Benefits Full range of preventive out-patient and inpatient

services within the PVAO healthcare system Free out-patient consult/treatment including

medicines, laboratory and other diagnostic tests Free hospitalization (accommodation, diagnostic

examinations/ancillary services, medicines including professional fees)

Facilities Gamma Camera, Cobalt Machine, Ultrasound, X-Ray,

CT Scan, MRI, C-Arm, Laparoscopic Surgery, Operating Microscope, Blood Bank, Blood Analyzer, etc.

Intensive Care: MITU, MICU, SICU, PITU Operating Room, Recovery Room, etc. Cancer Research Center Etc.

Requirements to Secure VMMC Green Card

A. For Veteran 1. PVAO ID or AFP Retirees

ID 2. If veteran has no PVAO ID or AFP Retirees

ID: a) Statement of Military

Service or Retirement Order from the NRD-OTAG

3. 3 (1x1) ID pictures 4. Personal appearance

B. Legal Spouse 1. AFP Dependents ID or

PVAO Surviving Spouse ID

2. If no AFP Dependents ID or PVAO surviving spouse ID: Original and Xerox Marriage Certificate (NSO or LCR copy)

3. 3 (1x1) ID pictures 4. Personal appearance

C. Minor Children 1. AFP Dependents ID 2. If no AFP Dependents

ID: Original and Xerox Birth Certificate (NSO or LCR copy)

3. 3 (1x1) ID pictures 4. Personal appearance:

except for children below 6 year of age


B. Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP)

Benefits In-patient hospitalization subsidy of PhP 1,200 per day of confinement at any PVAO-VMMC accredited government and select private hospitals nationwide serving as VMMC extension hospitals in the regions / provinces (may be discounted prior to patient discharge or may be reimbursed);

Maximum of 45 days per year per patient

70 hospitals under the supervision and control of the Department of Health

531 hospitals directly administered by local government units

Medical Procedures & Services

Nature of Hospitalization/Medical Maximum Amount of Subsidy Benefit 1. Cataract Operation in one or two eyes P16,000.00 (whether done in-patient or out-patient) 2. Partial reimbursement of expense for P P30,000.00 Coronary Angiogram (for diagnosis of heart disease) 3. Partial reimbursement of expense for P 40,000.00 Endoaneurysmectomy graft (for diagnosis of thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm) 4. Angioplasty P100,000 for single stent or P150,000 for multiple-vessel stents 5. Cardiac Bypass P200,000.00 6. Pacemaker Placement P20,000 for temporary

pacemaker or P180,00 for a permanent pacemaker

7. Chemotherapeutic agents (up to six cycles) P10,000.00 per cycle

PHILHEALTH / Medicare

All AFP officers and enlisted personnel who have paid at least ten (10) cumulative years of Medicare / PhilHealth contributions are already qualified to avail of PhilHealth benefits as Lifetime Non-Paying Members.

LNP members include old-age retirees and pensioners of the GSIS, uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the AFP, PNP, BJMP and BFP who have reached the compulsory age of retirement before June 24, 1997, and retirees under Presidential Decree 408.

LNP Members must apply for PhilHealth card from any PHIC office nearest their residence and submit documents pertinent to their membership.

Treatment/Product Maximum Amount of Subsidy

1.) Cataract surgery (whether one eye or both)

P16,000.00

2.) Orthopedic implants / prosthesis P30,000.00 per implant

3.) Orthopedic braces P6,000.00 per piece

4.) Dentures (upper and lower) P5,000.00

5.) Hernia mesh P2,000.00 per mesh

6.) Hearing aid P30,000.00 per device

7.) Chemotherapeutic agents P10,000 per cycle (up to 6 cycles)

Therapeutic Cardiac Interventions Maximum Amount of Subsidy

1.) Coronary Angiogram P30,000.00

2.) Endoaneurysmectomy graft (for diagnosis of thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm)

P40,000.00

3.) Angioplasty P100,000 for single stent; P150,000 for multiple-vessel stents

4.) Cardiac Bypass P200,000.00

5.) Pacemaker Placement P20,000 for temporary pacemaker; P180,000 for permanent pacemaker

Services Partially Subsidized by the VHP (Reimbursible*)


* within 90 years from date of payment / purchase


A. Maintenance of national military shrines

PVAO maintains eight military shrines to memorialize and perpetuate our veterans heroic deeds. These shrines serve as testaments to the heroism of our veterans and remind us that the freedom we enjoy today had been paid with the lives and sacrifices of our veterans. But more importantly, these shrines teach the valuable lesson of preserving and promoting peace.

NATIONAL M ILITARY SHRINES

Capas National Shrine Barangay Aranguren, Capas, Tarlac

Presidential Proc. No. 842, s-91 Reforestation R.A. 8221

Bantayog sa Kiangan Brgy. Linda, Kiangan, Ifugao

Presidential Proc. No. 1460, s-75

Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine Jaro, Iloilo City



Mt. Samat Shrine Diwa, Pilar, Bataan

Presidential Proc.No. 432, s-68

Libingan ng mga Bayani Taguig, Metro Manila


Ricarte National Shrine Taguig, Metro Manila


USAFIP NL Military Shrine & Park Brgy. Darigayos, Luna, La Union

Proclamation 590 s-1990

PEFTOK KOREAN War Memorial Hall

Bayani Road, Taguig City

Corregidor National Shrine Presl Proc. No. 69, s-48, & EO No. 58 S.54.

Leased to DOT in 1986 for fifty (50) years; presently administered, managed and maintained by

CORREGIDOR FOUNDATION,INC.


B. National Observances & Commemoration of National

Historic Events

Through the conduct of commemoration and observances of historical events, PVAO intensifies the advocacy to propagate public appreciation for the veterans heroic deeds, foster unity, and inspire a greater sense of national pride in all Filipino citizens. PVAO believes that the most effective way of preparing the nations future veteran is by showing the youth that the nation cares for its present veterans. PVAO shows participants in commemorations and observances how veterans are honored by a grateful Filipino nation. Multi-sectoral participation is thus ensured in the conduct of these events, with particular stress on widening the role of the youth sector. This is to prepare the Filipino youth today to be the Filipino future veterans the countrys defenders and leaders.

SUNRISE CEREMONY Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City

April 5

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City

April 5

REVIEW IN HONOR OF THE VETERANS Philippine Army Grandstand

April 5


TRIBUTE TO ALL FILIPINO HEROES Corregidor Island

April 7 or 8

SUNSET CEREMONY Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City

April 11

PAGGUNITA SA CAPAS Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac

April 10

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN April 9

Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan


Local / national Commemorations

Victory Day - Liberation of Panay, Romblon and Guimaras

Balantang Memorial Cemetery & National Shrine, Jaro, Iloilo

18 March

Valor in Corregidor Corregidor Island, Cavite City

06 May

Battle of Bessang Pass Cervantes, Ilocos Sur

14 June

Battle of Yuldong Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City

22 April


PEFTOK Memorial Day Korean War Memorial Pylon, LNMB,

Taguig City 07 September

Victory Day in Kiangan Kiangan National Shrine, Kiangan,

Ifugao Province 02 September

Death Anniversary of Gen. Artemio Ricarte

Ricarte National Shrine, Batac, Ilocos Norte 31 July

Birth Anniversary of Gen. Artemio Ricarte

Ricarte National Shrine, Batac, Ilocos Norte 20 October



PVAO also contributes to historical development by continuing support to research, documentation and publication of untold stories of past military campaigns and battlefield victories and widen citizen participation during commemoration activities. To propagate the heroic deeds of the Filipino veterans and prepare the future of the nation, we also embark on extensive historical research to document and publish untold stories of past military campaigns of various units and battlefield victories that highlight our veterans gallantry in action. With actual stories and accounts of numerous victories of our troops during World War II and henceforth, we aim to develop a keen sense of history among the youth, to engrain a deep sense of national pride in our people, and to incite love of country ingredients which are essential to a progressive nation.

The Gallantry of the Filipino soldiers in World War II did

not end in Bataan.

Eminent scholar and historian Cesar P. Pobre, a retired

Colonel of the Philippine Army, narrates a story of how, after the

fall of Bataan, various Filipino resistance groups in northern

Luzon grew and matured into the United States Armed Forces in

the PhilippinesNorthern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), a single fighting

force and how they had victoriously redeemed the nations

formidable stand against the advancing banzai-charging

Japanese soldiers.

Also written by Col. Cesar P. Pobre, PA (Ret), Ph.D., VICTORY IN NORTHERN A second installment to the engaging narrative of the guerrillas of Northern Luzon this time with the organizational and operational dimensions of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL).


The book tells about the gallantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) guerrillas, who, for over three years, never gave up their dream of retaking the Bessang Pass from the formidable enemy well entrenched in the mountain fortress. It features twelve brave Filipino guerillas of the 11th, 14th, 15th, 66th and 121st Infantry Regiments of the USAFIP-NL who were among those who fought the non-stop, six-month military campaign. These include retired generals Fortunato U. Abat, Emilio M. Narcise, and Arnulfo D. Baez; retired officers Gregorio Hufano and Jesus Martinez, lawyer Ricardo Miranda; and veterans Raymundo Gadgad, Belino Alumno, Jose Tadifa, Alejandro Puguon and Ricardo Madayag; and the late Ilocos Norte Congressman, Simeon M. Valdez.

The Filipinos love for freedom and democracy knows no boundaries. The book is a historical account of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), the Philippine military troop that helped saved South Korea from the communist aggression of North Korea and China.

Learn and appreciate the remarkable deeds of our veterans and develop a greater sense of national pride. This book is also a compendium of information on benefits and services available to veterans and their dependents, including those administered by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.


Ably assisted by Michigan author John A Levi, Dr. Senen L.R. Asuan wrote the book, FOR LOVE OF FREEDOM, Memoirs of a World War II Philippine Resistance Fighter, in the 90s while he was in the US serving as the Director of Saginaw Community Hospital in Michigan. It paints a chilling description of life in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945. As a young guerrilla fighter who sought refuge in the jungles of the Camarines Sur, Asan disclosed how he initially fought to exact his own personal vengeance against the ruthless Japanese soldiers who executed his father and brutalized his relatives but later on continued the fight for a cause bigger than revenge the liberation of his homeland and its people.

FILIPINOS IN THE KOREAN WAR provides first-hand historical accounts, published articles and actual photos of Filipino soldiers, belonging to the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) during the Korean War (1950-1953). Five battalion combat teams composed of 7,500 brave soldiers were sent by the Philippine government in response to the call of United Nations. The experiences of then Lt. Fidel V. Ramos who would later become a Philippine President and the daring assignment of then young war correspondent, Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. who afterwards became a senator and an icon of democracy, are also chronicled therein.

Waiting for the Enemy is a first person account of a Junior Officer of the 1st Battalion, 88th Field Artillery (Philippine Scouts), U.S. Army (USAFFE) about his experiences in the battlefield of Bataan in World War II. Maj. Jaime L. Guerrero (Ret), a lawyer by profession, encapsulates in this book encapsulates the momentous battle for freedom of our esteemed Filipino soldiers during World War II. It underscored the valiant defense of the officers and men of the 1st Battalion, 88th Field Artillery in the Battle of Bataan that tested the limit of endurance in the road to liberation. It also vividly sends the message of the struggle for survival in the horror of the Death Camp and the enduring oppression felt in the hands of the Japanese adversaries.



Created in 1960 pursuant to Republic Act 2640 or An Act Creating a Public Corporation to be known as the Veterans Federation of the Philippines

A government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC) under the control and supervision of the Secretary of National Defense.

Shall exist solely for purposes of a benevolent character, and not for pecuniary profit of its members.

Mandate Uphold and defend the democratic way of life as envisioned in the Constitution; Represent / defend the interest of all Filipino veterans; Coordinate the efforts of all different veterans of the Philippines in behalf of the interests of respective members;

Promote mutual help among former comrades-in-arms; Perpetuate common experiences in war; Undertake acts of charity and relief work; Preserve peace and order; Foster love of country and things Filipino; Inculcate individual civic consciousness

Members Veterans who rendered service in the naval, air, or land armed forces of the country and fought during the Philippine Revolution, World War I, World War II, Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) or any armed conflict in which the Philippines had been involved or may be involved in the future.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or Post-war veterans who rendered more than 10 years of military service, provided, they had been honorably discharged or separated from service.

Management of Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)


1. Associacion de los Veteranos de la Revolucion

2. AFP Retired Veterans Association (AFPREVA)

3. Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (DBC)

4. Eastern Central Luzon Guerillas Association (ECLGA)

5. Filipino-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) Veterans Legion

6. Filipino Disabled Veterans Association

7. Hunters ROTC Guerrillas Association, Inc.

8. PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc.

9. Philippine Veterans Legion

10. USAFIP-NL Inc.

11. Confederation of Filipino Veterans (CONVETS)

12. Gold Star Mothers and United War Widows and Orphans Association of the Philippines, Inc.

13. Philippine Association of War Widows, Parents, and Orphans (spouses and children of veterans)

14. Magsaysay Veterans Legion

15. Philippine National Guard Veterans Legion

16. Philippine Naval Veterans Legion

17. United Disabled Veterans Association of the Philippines

VFP Charter Members/Organizations Pursuant to RA 2640


1. Kampilan Peacekeepers Association, Inc. (KPAI)

2. The Association of Widows, Relatives, and Advocates of Equality (AWARE)

3. One International Peacekeepers Veterans Confederation of the Philippines, Inc.

4. Alliance for the Amelioration of Veterans and Former Policemen and Reservists (AAVFP)

5. The Last Watering Hole Association, Inc.

6. Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO)

7. Business, Industry and Retired Cavaliers, Inc. (BIRCI)

8. Cavalier Association of Veterans Inc. (CAVI)

9. Fraternal Organization of ROTC, Reservists, & Veterans (FORVETS)

10. Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS)

11. Association of Retired Military Officers and Personnel for Unity & Reform Philippines, Inc. (ARMOUR)

12. PMA Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI)

13. PMA Foundation, Inc. (PMAFI)

14. PMAA Educational Foundation, Inc. (PETFI)

15. Retired Reservists Association National and Global emergency Response (RRANGER)

16. USAFFE Veterans Dependents Foundations Philippines, Inc. (UVDFPI)

17. AKSYON Beterano, Inc. (ABI)

18. WWII Legionnaires of the Philippines (LOPI)

VFP-Affiliated Organizations


Frequently-asked questions

1.) Does the term veteran apply only to those who fought as soldiers and guerrillas in the World War II? No. The term veteran, for all intents and purposes, also include post-WWII veterans, or those who have rendered the required length of military service in the land, sea and air of the country under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) prior to retirement or honorable separation from the service.

2.) Are AFP retirees entitled to hospitalization benefits at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) even if they are not yet pensioners of PVAO? Yes, AFP retirees and also their dependents (either spouse, minor children or parent/s) are entitled to hospitalization benefits at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) even if they are not yet pensioners of PVAO.

3.) Are AFP retirees entitled to the Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP) in public hospitals located in provinces? Yes, AFP retirees and also their dependents (either spouse, minor children or parent/s) are entitled to the Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP) in public hospitals located in provinces. They only need to present their AFP IDs as retirees or dependents during confinement in order to avail of the daily hospitalization subsidy not to exceed P1,200 per day per patient, for a maximum of 45 days. The partner hospital that provided treatment to the patient should send the hospital bills to the VMMC, net of other discounts, for payment. They may also avail of the subsidized medical services under the VHP. However, due to the limited budget for the implementation of the VHP, World War II veterans and spouses are the topmost priority for the VHP.

4.) If a retired enlisted personnel or officer of the AFP dies before reaching 65, is the spouse entitled to Old Age Pension or any other benefit? Yes, the spouse of a retired enlisted personnel or officer of the AFP who dies before reaching 65 is entitled to Old Age Pension for Surviving Spouse amounting to Php5,000 per month effective on the veterans date of death. The spouse may also get Burial Assistance benefit of Php10,000.00 provided that she files her claim within two years from the date of the veterans death.


5.) Should the burial assistance benefit be payable to the veterans spouse only? No, the Burial Assistance benefit may be paid to whoever defrayed the funeral expense of the deceased veteran , thus, PVAO requires proof of payment for funeral services from a claimant for such benefit. Payment of burial assistance, however, is facilitated faster when the claimant is the spouse. This is because in case there is overpayment in the pension of a deceased veteran, PVAO may easily recover such overpayment by offsetting the same from the spouses pension.

6.) If a military personnel / officer is killed in action (KIA); or dies in line of duty (LOD), or due to a disability, sickness and injury sustained while in the active service, is the surviving spouse entitled to any benefit? Yes, the spouse of a military personnel / officer is killed in action (KIA); or dies in line of duty (LOD), or due to a disability, sickness and injury sustained while in the active service is entitled to Old Age Pension of Php5,000.00 per month effective on the veterans date of death. The spouse may also get Burial Assistance benefit of Php10,000.00 provided that he/she files her claim within two years from the date of the veterans death. In addition, the spouse and the each minor child may be entitled to Death Pension of Php1,000.00 per month.

7.) What is the maturity age of a veterans dependent children?

Contrary to what many think that the age of maturity is 21, dependent children of veteran reach maturity at the age of 18. This is time when their pension benefit is terminated.

8.) Suppose a widower retiree remarries, will the second wife be entitled to PVAO benefits?

Yes. Unlike in the AFP where spouses married to soldiers after retirement are not entitled to pension and other benefits, PVAO may grant benefits to subsequent spouses provided they establish the legal basis for the termination of the veterans first marriage, which may either be due to death of the first spouse, or annulment. At any rate, the subsequent spouse gets entitled to hospitalization and healthcare benefits and privileges. Upon the veterans death, the spouse assumes the right to claim for Old age Pension which she may enjoy within his/her lifetime, provided he/she wont remarry.

Frequently-asked questions

Key Areas for P VAO &A FP C ooperation

Current Situation

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel lack awareness on their benefits from PVAO pursuant to Republic Act No. 6948 and other laws.

PVAO still continues to receive late applicants for veterans benefits such as Old Age, Death and Disability Pensions from among the ranks of our retirees and legal beneficiaries.

Many AFP retirees only apply for Old Age Pension long after turning 65 and spouses of deceased veterans avail of benefits only upon learning about such benefits from their fellow surviving spouses.

Since veterans benefits do not prescribe and are even RETROACTIVE, PVAO acquires the problem of accumulated arrearages which become unpaid obligations. As PVAOs annual budgetary appropriation is limited only to the payment of regular benefits for the current year, it takes a while before the arrearages get paid.

The late filing of benefits, in effect, also deprives legitimate beneficiaries of the financial boost designed to tide them over after officers or enlisted personnel retire or are separated from the service. The same is true for dependents of veterans .

Massive Information Dissemination

AFP GHQ, Major Services, and Sergeant Majors to assist us in our efforts to disseminate the various PVAO benefits to all AFP officers and personnel.

Inclusion of veterans benefits and services in the usual TI & E Inclusion of veterans benefits and services in the Handbook on Benefits

and Privileges of the AFP Military Personnel and Their Dependents. Participation of the Pangkat PVAO in Information Caravan and briefings

of the AFP PGMC and AFP Finance Center. Monitoring of Pensioner Status

Annual revalidation of pensioners trough submission of Pensioners Update Form (PUF) during their birth month

Cross-referencing with AFP PGMC / AFP FC Database matching with NSO and other reliable databases on report of

deaths and remarriages Issuance of Pensioners ID Conduct of Home Visits


5 Ws & H of the PVAO Revalidation Program

WHAT: Submission of Revalidation Requirements 1. Pensioner Update Form (PUF) duly accomplished with signature and thumbprints 2. 3R-size photo showing pensioner holding latest newspaper 3. Back to back photocopy of pensioners 2 valid IDs.

WHO : All Pensioners of PVAO (Recipients of Old Age, Survivorship, or Disability Pension)

WHEN : During pensioners birth month every year for pensioners below 85 years old; Every six months for pensioners who are 85 years old and above

WHERE : PVAO Central Office or any PVAO Field Service Extension Office

WHY : To establish living status and validate identity and legitimacy as pensioners to ensure funding of their benefits by the Department of Budget and Management as well as the continuous remittance of their pension/s.

HOW : Voluntary submission or mailing of PUF and other requirements every year IMPORTANT NOTICE: PVAO will no longer be sending PUFs by mail

Anti-Fraud and Anti-Fixer Campaign

Cooperation with the PVAO ANTI-FIXERS TASK GROUP (PATG) to formulate strategic policies, operationalize campaign plans and implement the same

Cooperation with the Anti-Fraud Section, the prosecuting arm of the PATG Close coordination with the Defense Intelligence & Security Group, Camp

Commander, Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation & Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation

Assistance in the conduct of surveillance and entrapment operations against fixing syndicates, especially those operating in the AFP Transient Quarters and Veterans Center

Assistance in filing of cases in court (criminal and civil charges) against fixers and fraudsters

Immediate reporting of PVAO employees conniving with fixers

Strengthening Veterans Affairs

AFP Retirees to infuse new blood into the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) and actively participate in the management of its internal and corporate affairs

AFP active and retired personnel to support the Legislative Agenda for the upgrading of benefits and advancement of welfare of Filipino Veterans and their families.



PVAO Field Service Extension Offices

handbook on veterans benefits

Documents