Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20) — On the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) President Rodrigo Duterte personally assured the troops the government would take care of them and their family.
This is in exchange for what he called their supreme sacrifice offering their lives to protect the country.
After the liberation of Marawi, the President says he quietly released ₱500 million for those wounded in action.
READ: Duterte: P500-million fund for soldiers injured, disabled in Marawi war
Today, he promised to build on that further, pledging regular assistance to the V. Luna General Hospital and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
Duterte said, “I will subsidize yung medicines especially those who need the management for pills – it’s 50 million monthly para sa AFP pati 50 million para sa V. Luna. Para sa mga retired dun niyo na kunin yung medicines and management niyo for ailments a soldier suffers when he retires.”
[Translation: I will subsidize your medicines, especially those who need the management for pills – it’s 50 million monthly for the AFP, as well as 50 million for V.Luna. For those who are retired, you an get your medicines and management for ailments a soldier suffers when he retires.]
More that that, the President gave a recap of additional programs in store for the military.
First up was the plan to build a standalone pension fund for the AFP.
Once the military sells off some of its camps and prime properties, the funds raised will be used as seed money for the pension fund.
The government will also double the salaries of military and all uniformed personnel, a campaign promise of President Duterte.
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He even shared that he told his Cabinet to prioritize this measure over tax reform, warning them that if they didn’t increase salaries by January 1, he would resign
All this because he gave his word to soldiers and their families that they would not have to worry about their basic needs.
“Do not worry about your families. Do not kill yourself just thinking about what will happen tomorrow…The Philippine government will always be there to see to it that your children to go to school until college time,” Duterte said.
Meanwhile, the AFP awarded its highest honor to the fallen Captain Rommel Sandoval for his bravery, laying down his life for his comrades in Marawi.
The Medal of Valor, which is rarely given, was received by Sandoval’s widow Maria Ana Rosario.
Twenty-seven other soldiers received the Order of Lapu Lapu for their role in various military operations against the New People’s Army and the Isis inspired Maute Group.
