A day before he officially embarks on a week-long diplomatic trip to the Middle East, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the early release of the P6-billion retirement pensions for veterans.
The announcement came Sunday, during the 75th Day of Valor commemoration rites held at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan, where the infamous 140-kilometer Death March started.
The directive covers the fiscal years 2008 to 2013, with pensions amounting to P6.421 billion.
“I am directing the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of National Defense to expedite the early release of the AFP’s retirees pension credentials for fiscal years 2008 to 2013, in the amount of P6,421,000,”ABS-CBN News quoted Duterte as saying.
The news was met by cheers from the audience, which included veterans, their widows, and families.
“Mabuhay ang beterano! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he added, as the audience cheered.
