Salute from a retired general

President Duterte in his closing presscon at the Asean Summit last Nov. 14 reiterated his pronouncement to double the salary of soldiers next year because of their sacrifices. His concern for the morale and welfare of our soldiers and veterans is not matched by any president before him.

He has previously released P4.7 billion in unpaid disability pension and P6.5 billion for veterans’ pension differentials. To double the base pay of soldiers in active service will also mean to double the pension of retirees and veterans as provided under Presidential Decree No. 1638. Hopefully, the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of National Defense will find means to support such increase in our pension.

Mr. Duterte, the retirees and veterans are forever grateful to you for all the benefits you have afforded them in the twilight years of their retirement. Again, we all salute you, sir.

JOEL R. HINLO, retired brigadier general, AFP