Congressional consultation and dialogue for veterans/retirees held in Zamboanga City

By Jong D. Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 3, 2018) - Around 500 veterans and retirees gathered for a consultation and dialogue with retired generals from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police at the Western Mindanao Command Gymnasium, Saturday morning (March 3).

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the activity was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Welfare Committee, retired General and now Congressman Leopoldo Bataoiul. The dialogue that formally opened at 9 in the morning was a venue for the veterans and retirees to ask inquiries directed to the resource speakers that include Congressman Bataoiul; Retired General and former Chief of Staff Alexander B Yano; Retired PNP Director Generals Jimmy Caringal and Sularno Ikbala; and Veteran Raul Roldan, the Veterans Foundation of the Philippines Region IX President.

Cpt Petinglay said issues that include the possible establishment of more Veteran hospitals and ‘Libingan ng mga Bayani’ (cemetery for heroes) in other regions of the country were among the recommendations of the attendees. The retirees also recommended that the old age and administrative disability pension be increased; the carry-over of pension to the Veteran’s survivor in the event that the veteran dies; and many other issues.

Congressman Bataoiul responded positively to the inquiries and promised to consider and study all recommendations.

“We will take in all your recommendations and think about how to give solutions to all issues raised,” said Cong Bataoiul.

“We are here because we wanted to hear you out and we want to get an idea what priority issues and concerns needed immediately action.”

The two hour forum ended at 11:30 in the morning after the committee turned-over wheelchairs and canes to recipient veterans and retirees from Zamboanga City.

“It is an honor for the command to host the venue for the activity, especially that we also have quite a number of veterans and retirees within Western Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

“Knowing that you will be properly taken cared-off when you retire, will

somehow boost the soldier’s motivation to serve.”