Marcos Says Govt Mulling Increase Of Pension For War Veterans

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said the government is studying how it could increase the pension of World War 2 veterans.

"What we are looking at is how we could strengthen the system of providing the pension for our veterans. Because at the moment, if we don't fix the system, it will not last long because of the big amount of pension we give out," Marcos said during the celebration of the 81st Day of Valor in Mount Bataan on Monday.

A reform on the pension system for the war veterans would ensure that they will receive their correct pension, the president added.

Noting that some soldiers opt to retire before the mandatory retirement age, Marcos said the pension system must be fixed in order to increase the benefits for veterans.

"Once we fix it, we will be able to see what else we can give, especially to World War II veterans. Because if you recall... it was only a few years ago that our veterans were recognized and were given their back pay," he explained.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged the heroism of the so-called "bolo men" or the guerilla fighters who fought the Japanese invaders using only bolo knives. He said they would continue to receive honor and pay from the government. To date, he said only 1,000 remain alive out of the total 500,000 fighters who survived the war.

"So we really need to help and take care of them because they gave us the beautiful gift of freedom here in the Philippines," Marcos said.

Though the improvement of the war veterans' pension system is not included in the reforms being pushed by the administration for retired military and uniformed personnel, he said the government will continue to honor them for their efforts.

"This will continue because we recognize them. They were soldiers who survived, frontline fighters...we really have to take care of them because they gave us this freedom we are now enjoying here in the Philippines," Marcos pointed out.

Earlier, Marcos hailed the sacrifice of the World War 2 heroes and asked the nation to "reexamine our values and honor their lives by speaking up against discrimination, extending help to those in need and working toward a better future."

"May we also learn to make wise and sound decisions so that we may address our country's pressing problems with compassion and concern for others," he said on his official message commemorating the Day of Valor.