Marcos vows expedited benefits to families of fallen uniformed personnel

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool/File

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to fast track the release of benefits to the families of uniformed personnel who were killed on duty.

He said this before the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Wednesday.

The president said he was saddened upon learning the untimely release of benefits due to “complicated” documentary requirements.

“Kaya’t nagtanong po ako at tinatanong ko sa kanila, ‘Ito bang mga benepisyo na ating ipinapangako sa mga nagseserbisyo para sa atin ito ba ay nabibigay nang tama? Ito ba ay nabibigay nang mabilis?’ Eh medyo nalungkot ako dahil ang sagot, ‘Hindi pa. Hindi ba naibigay,’” Marcos Jr. said in his speech.

“Sabi nila sa akin ay masyado kasing mahaba ang proseso. Mahaba ang – at saka kumplikado ang mga documentary requirements at kung ano-ano. Ika ko, ‘Hindi siguro tama ‘yan,’” he added.

Marcos says valor can be shown through small acts of kindness

The commander-in-chief said the benefits due to the families would be expedited by streamlining the processes.

“Kaya’t ang aming ginawa ay sabi ko kami na, tayo na ang magbuo ng mga dokumento. Tayo na ang mag-ayos ng kanilang mga pangangailangan upang maging mas makabuluhan ang ating selebrasyon sa Araw ng Kagitingan, upang mas mabibigyan ng kahulugan ang ating ginagawa ngayong araw na ito. Dapat sa araw na ito maibigay na natin,” he added.

Sixty-two beneficiaries attended the ceremony, including families of uniformed personnel from AFP, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection who were killed in action or during operations.

They will receive P500,000 in two tranches. Another P100,000 was given to the beneficiaries by the Office of the President during the event.

Meanwhile, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff LtGen. Rommel Roldan recognized the gallantry and sacrifice of uniformed personnel in safeguarding national security.

“The role of every uniformed personnel is crucial. It is indispensable. It is through their valor, dedication, and quiet resolve that our republic stands strong,” he said.

He also assured assistance to the men in uniform and their families.

“It is an affirmation of our ongoing commitment to stand by our troops and their families not only in battle but even beyond it,” he stated.