Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services 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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 3

IV. MAJOR FINAL OUTPUTS

1. ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR VETERANS BENEFITS
A. Pension B. Non-Pension C. Hospitalization &
Benefits Benefits Healthcare Benefits
 Old Age Pension  Educational Benefit  VMMC Services (Outpatient
 Disability  Burial Assistance & In-patient Services)
Pension  Veterans Preference  Veterans Hospitalization
 Death Pension Program

2. PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR

NATIONAL MILITARY SHRINES
A. Management of National B. National Observances &
Military Shrines & Museums Commemoration of National Historic
Events

C. Conduct of Historical Research & Publication

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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 4

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.

 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;

 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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 5

Veterans Benefits & Services

I. Pension Benefits
A. Old Age Pension

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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 6

B. Disability Pension

Basis of benefit •Sec. 5 of RA 6948 as amended by Sec. 2 of RA

7696

•The veteran is disabled owing to sickness,

disease, wounds or injuries sustained in line of
duty
Persons •World War II veterans who were disabled
Eligible 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 Amount of
Rating 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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 7

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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 8

D. Total Administrative Disability Pension

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 law’s
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

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

Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 9

II. Non-Pension Benefits

A. Burial Assistance

Basis of benefit •Sec. 20 of RA 6948 as amended by Sec. 6 of RA 7696

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 Proof of Service: Military Service Record/s

Requirements Proof of Death : Veteran’s Death Certificate
Proof of Expense : Official Receipt for Funeral Services
Proof of Identity: Claimant’s Valid IDs
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 10

B. Educational Benefit

Basis of benefit •Sec. 3 of RA 6948 as amended by Sec. 1 of RA 7696

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 Proof of Service: Military Service Record/s
Requirements
Proof of Filiation : Birth Certificate of the Waivee /
Student Ward; Marriage Certificate of the Waivee’s
Parent
Waiver : Executed by the veteran’s children in favor of the
waivee in case the veteran and the spouse are both
deceased
Proof of Identity: Claimant’s Valid IDs; Waivee’s / Student-
Ward’s IDs and school credentials
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 11

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
veteran’s 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 B. Legal Spouse C. Minor Children

1. PVAO ID or AFP Retirees’ 1. AFP Dependents ID or 1. AFP Dependents ID

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 (1”x1”) ID pictures
4. Personal appearance
PVAO Surviving Spouse 2. If no AFP Dependents
ID ID: Original and Xerox
2. If no AFP Dependents ID Birth Certificate (NSO
or PVAO surviving spouse or LCR copy)
ID: Original and Xerox 3. 3 (1”x1”) ID pictures
Marriage Certificate (NSO 4. Personal appearance:
or LCR copy) except for children
3. 3 (1”x1”) ID pictures below 6 year of age
4. Personal appearance
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 12

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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 13

Services Partially Subsidized by the VHP (Reimbursible*)

Treatment/Product Maximum Amount of Subsidy
1.) Cataract surgery (whether one eye or P16,000.00
both)
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 P40,000.00
(for diagnosis of thoracic or abdominal
aortic aneurysm)
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

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.

* within 90 years from date of payment / purchase

Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 14

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

Balantang Memorial Cemetery Bantayog sa Kiangan

National Shrine Brgy. Linda, Kiangan, Ifugao
Jaro, Iloilo City Presidential Proc. No. 1460, s-75
Presidential Proc. No. 425, s-94

Capas National Shrine

Barangay Aranguren, Capas, Tarlac
Presidential Proc. No. 842, s-91
Reforestation – R.A. 8221
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 15

Libingan ng mga Bayani Mt. Samat Shrine

Taguig, Metro Manila Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
Presidential Proc. No. 208, s-67 Presidential Proc.No. 432, s-68

Ricarte National Shrine Corregidor National Shrine

Taguig, Metro Manila Pres’l Proc. No. 69, s-48, & EO No. 58 S.54.
Presidential Proc. No. 228, s-93 Leased to DOT in 1986 for fifty (50) years;
presently administered, managed and maintained by
CORREGIDOR FOUNDATION,INC.

PEFTOK – KOREAN War Memorial USAFIP NL Military Shrine & Park

Hall Brgy. Darigayos, Luna, La Union
Bayani Road, Taguig City Proclamation 590 s-1990
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 16

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 nation’s 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 country’s defenders and leaders.

SUNRISE CEREMONY WREATH LAYING CEREMONY

Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City
April 5 April 5

REVIEW IN HONOR OF THE VETERANS

Philippine Army Grandstand
April 5
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 17

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN
April 9
Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan

TRIBUTE TO ALL FILIPINO HEROES PAGGUNITA SA CAPAS

Corregidor Island Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac
April 7 or 8 April 10

SUNSET CEREMONY
Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City
April 11
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 18

Local / national Commemorations

Victory Day - Liberation of Panay, Battle of Yuldong

Romblon and Guimaras Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City
Balantang Memorial Cemetery & National 22 April
Shrine, Jaro, Iloilo
18 March

Valor in Corregidor Battle of Bessang Pass

Corregidor Island, Cavite City Cervantes, Ilocos Sur
06 May 14 June
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 19

Death Anniversary of Victory Day in Kiangan

Gen. Artemio Ricarte Kiangan National Shrine, Kiangan,
Ricarte National Shrine, Batac, Ilocos Norte Ifugao Province
31 July 02 September

PEFTOK Memorial Day Birth Anniversary of

Korean War Memorial Pylon, LNMB, Gen. Artemio Ricarte
Taguig City Ricarte National Shrine, Batac, Ilocos Norte
07 September 20 October
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 20

C. Conduct of Historical Research & Publication

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 Philippines—Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), a single fighting
force and how they had victoriously redeemed the nation’s
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).
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 21

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. Bañez; 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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 22

C. Conduct of Historical Research & Publication

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.

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 90’s
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, Asúan 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.

“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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 23

Management of Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)

 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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 24

VFP Charter Members/Organizations Pursuant to RA 2640

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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 25

VFP-Affiliated Organizations

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)
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 26

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 veteran’s 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 veteran’s death.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 27

Frequently-asked questions
5.) Should the burial assistance benefit be payable to the veteran’s 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 spouse’s 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 veteran’s 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 veteran’s 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 veteran’s 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 veteran’s
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 veteran’s death, the spouse assumes the right to
claim for Old age Pension which she may enjoy within his/her lifetime, provided he/
she won’t remarry.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 28

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 PVAO’s 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
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 29

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 pensioner’s 2 valid IDs.
WHO : All Pensioners of PVAO (Recipients of Old Age,
Survivorship, or Disability Pension)
WHEN : During pensioner’s 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.
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 30
Handbook on Veterans Benefits& Services Page 31

PVAO Field Service Extension Offices