SENATOR Francis Escudero has filed a bill that will create a P20-billion trust fund for members of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who died or got wounded while performing their duties.
“The gallantry, bravery and heroism in making the ultimate sacrifice for the flag, freedom and democracy can never be understated. We should honor them according to what they truly deserve,” Escudero said.
The proposed Comprehensive Social Benefit Program of the Government seeks to create a P20-billion trust fund for active members of the AFP and PNP who are either killed or wounded in the line of duty.
Escudero said this will cover the necessities and basic needs of the families and dependents of soldiers, policemen who are killed or wounded in legitimate operations sanctioned by the government.
The P20 billion, which will be earmarked for the trust fund, will be used to finance five types of assistance: full scholarship, financial, shelter, health and medical care, and cost of living.
The trust fund will be implemented and managed by a board composed of the Office of the President, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Commission on Higher Education, the AFP and the PNP.
Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on education, arts and culture, said the biggest chunk of the trust fund will go to the education of the children of military and police officers killed in action. (SunStar Philippines)