AFP: Higher gratuity pay for Medal of Valor awardees means a lot to soldiers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to increase the gratuity pay to existing Medal of Valor Awardees in the military organization.

Marcos announced this in time for the AFP's 88th founding anniversary on Thursday, 21 December.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said it is only right to give appreciation to soldiers who have gone far from their call of duty to serve the nation and Filipinos which earned them the award.

"They deserve the raise and the respect of every Filipino. Their show of courage in times of extreme danger while performing the task of protecting our people and state cannot be compensated, especially those who gave up their lives," he stressed.

"Their action is noble and beyond the call of duty," Aguilar continued.

The Medal of Valor is the highest military honor given to recipients who have showcased conspicuous deeds of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty that distinguishes the recipient from his comrades.

It also comes with privileges defined by law, Republic Act 9049, an act honoring the military heroes "to strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of the AFP."

The living recipients are lifetime entitled to monthly gratuity pay of P20,000, on top of their salaries or pension.

A memorandum signed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 22 December 2016 paved the increase of gratuity pay to P75,000.

In the case of the deceased awardee, the gratuity pay will go to their wives or their children.

The awardee, his widow, or her dependents are also entitled by law to be prioritized when applying for work in government, government housing programs, loans not exceeding P500,000 and lease or acquisition of public lands.

Further, they are exempted from paying tuition in public and private schools, universities, colleges, and other educational institutions, including the fees for taking up medicine or law courses.

Should the kin of the awardee wish to enter the Philippine Military Academy, they will be given priority for direct commission if qualified.

They are also entitled to get a 20 percent discount from hotels, transportation services, restaurants, theaters, carnivals, and when buying medicines among others. Private establishments may claim tax credits.

Penalties for government officials or corporations that deny the awardee his privileges face up to 6 years imprisonment and a penalty of up to P300,000.

Meanwhile, Marcos said that granting the increase of lifetime monthly gratuity pay to existing Medal of Valor awardees is part of the government's appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of the uniformed service" to secure the country and the people, rallying the troops to remain relentless in countering lawless elements."

"This will provide them with a tangible – this will provide our heroes with a tangible and a meaningful reward, highlighting our commitment to support and to honor our war heroes," the President said.

"I look forward to more decades of the AFP's excellent and selfless service to the nation, especially now that we are transforming our country into 'Bagong Pilipinas' that is rightfully due to our people," he added.