A soldier’s job is not easy; it is a profession that they have sworn to uphold with their lives.
They also play a significant role in maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of every Filipino.
They are ready to risk their lives for the country, as others say, “they are still alive, but their feet are already in the grave.”
That is why, as a recognition of the sacrifices of soldiers, the Philippine Army is now accelerating the provision of pensions and financial assistance to the wounded and deceased.
In a press briefing, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, said that they have addressed the issue regarding the provision of benefits to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
“This time we have solved that problem so once a member of the army sacrificed his life on duty, call of duty immediately we give compensation and fastest within a month the beneficiaries already receives their monthly pension and that is being achieved already,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commanding General, Philippine Army stated.
He added that before, survivors of soldiers took a long time to receive their benefits.
“Before, it took a long time. If you knew the time frame for when survivors received their benefits, you might not want to be a survivor,” said Galido.
Related to this, in an exclusive interview with SMNI News, Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson of the Philippine Army, said that before, it took one to two years before soldiers received their benefits.
“He emphasized the benefits not only for the wounded soldiers but all our soldiers, particularly those killed in action, so we expedited the delivery of benefits especially to their surviving families,” Col. Louie Dema-ala, Spokesperson, PA stressed.
“Before it took one to two years to receive the benefits and pension Dema-ala stressed.
Col. Dema-ala explained that since Lt. Gen. Galido assumed office as Commanding General of the Philippine Army, all army personnel are now required to comply with what is called a Military Personnel File.
He said that originally, when a soldier was injured or killed in operation, the family or relatives had to obtain the documents, which delayed the process of benefits.
“First and foremost, he required all soldiers to complete what we call a military personnel file, which includes all original documents like birth certificates, medical certificates, so they are ready in case of any untoward incidents. The family no longer needs to be contacted to produce these documents,” Dema-ala added.
However, due to the new system implemented by the Philippine Army, obtaining benefits is now easier.
“Lt. Gen. Galido expedited the process by restructuring the systems and processes for processing benefits and pensions,” Dema-ala added.
Finally, Lt. Gen. Galido emphasized that he wants to assure all army personnel that the government will not neglect their families if something unfortunate happens to them while in service for the country.
“That we are taking good care of them while they are in service and their families when the time arises,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commanding General, Philippine Army said.
