Thursday, October 15, 2015

FREE EDUCATION FOR SOLDIERS/LAW ENFORCERS’ DEPENDENTS

FREE EDUCATION FOR SOLDIERS/LAW ENFORCERS’ DEPENDENTS

The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill which sought to grant educational assistance and benefits to the dependents of soldiers, firemen and law enforcers killed in action or permanently incapacitated while performing their duties.

Senate Bill No. 2952, also known as the Act granting educational assistance and benefits to the dependents of all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Bureau of Investigation(NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), was introduced by Senators Vicente Sotto III, Antonio Trillanes IV and Pia Cayetano.

It was approved with 14 affirmative votes, no negative vote and no abstention.

“This measure seeks to address the need to improve the government’s assistance to the dependents of our uniformed personnel and law enforcement agents who are killed in action or are permanently incapacitated, as a way of giving back and honouring their sacrifices for the country,” Sen. Pres. Franklin Drilon said.

Under the bill, beneficiaries shall be extended full scholarship from elementary to tertiary levels whether baccalaureate, formal or non-formal education or training program in a non-exclusive school or institution.

The scholarship privilege would include the payment of tuition and miscellaneous fees, allowance for books and school supplies, as well as allowance for food and transportation, according to the bill.

“As a matter of justice and gratitude, we must recognize the sacrifices of our soldiers, policemen, firemen and peacekeepers,” Sotto said.


“Although lost lives and disabled bodies cannot be brought back, free education for the uniformed personnel’s surviving children may help give life to their families,” Sotto added. /MP

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