Legarda Lauds Release of Funds for Pension Arrears of WWII Veterans

Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed the announcement of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno that the agency has released the funds for the payment of pension arrears to World War II veterans.

“This is good news for our veterans and their families and very timely as we celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9. Our war veterans have served our country well and their families also suffered during the war. This is one way of showing our gratitude for their contribution to our country’s liberty,” said Legarda.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that under the 2018 national budget, the amount of Php1.647 Billion has been allocated for the full payment of Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension arrears for the living spouses of deceased veterans who served during World War II.

The DBM said it has already released Php804.86 Million to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). Another Php841.87 Million is set to be released within the year.

According to the DBM, the TAD pension is a monthly entitlement of Php1,700 awarded to veterans upon reaching the age of 70. Living veterans receive their entitlement on a monthly basis, while arrears are awarded to surviving spouses of World War II Veterans and other eligible deceased veterans upon approval of requests made by PVAO.

“The TAD pension means a lot to our veterans and their family. It is but a simple token of gratitude—compared to the sacrifices they have made for the country—to be able to give what is due them,” said Legarda.