On April 9, 2017, President Duterte was guest of honor and speaker at the Araw ng Kagitingan’s 75th anniversary ceremonies held in Limay, Bataan. In his speech, he lamented that our surviving veterans sacrificed and suffered so much and it is just proper to give them due recognition. He then announced the release of P6.5 billion to cover veterans’ pension differentials from years 2008-2012. He asked the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of National Defense to facilitate the immediate release of the much-needed pension differentials.
Earlier, on Sept. 13, 2016, he released P4.7 billion for veterans’ unpaid disability pension.
We have a commander in chief who has so much concern for the morale and welfare of the soldiers, veterans and their dependents. No president before him ever showed as much concern.
Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude, President Duterte. We all salute you, Sir!
JOEL R. HINLO, retired brigadier general, AFP, jr_hinlo@yahoo.com.ph