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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