President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured that the government is now taking steps to fast track the release of financial aid for the families of uniformed personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Speaking before the beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos expressed frustration over the delays caused by what he called “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,’” the President said during his speech.
He added that the current process is unnecessarily long and burdensome. “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.’”
To address the issue, Marcos said the government will now take the lead in preparing and organizing all necessary documents to avoid delays in giving out benefits.
“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… Dapat sa araw na ito maibigay na natin,” he emphasized.
A total of 62 families from the AFP, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection were present during the ceremony. Each family is set to receive P500,000 in two tranches, with an additional P100,000 from the Office of the President given during the event.
LtGen. Rommel Roldan, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, paid tribute to the fallen personnel, saying, “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 also reiterated the institution’s support for the families left behind: “It is an affirmation of our ongoing commitment to stand by our troops and their families not only in battle but even beyond it.”
