Amendment to R.A. No. 6948 Re: Redefining the Term "Veteran"
Republic Act No. 9396, enacted on March 18, 2007, redefines the term "veteran" by amending Republic Act No. 6948. It specifies that a veteran includes individuals who served in the Philippine military forces during various historical conflicts, such as the Spanish Revolution, the Philippine-American War, and World War II, as well as those who served in later military engagements like the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Act applies to new entrants into military service following its effectivity and mandates the Department of National Defense to establish implementing rules and regulations for veterans' benefits. It also repeals any conflicting laws and will take effect 15 days after publication in national newspapers.
March 18, 2007
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9396
AN ACT REDEFINING THE TERM "VETERAN" THEREBY AMENDING FURTHER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6948, AS AMENDED
SECTION 1. Section 2 (a), Title I of Republic Act No. 6948 is amended to read as follows: AIHDcC
"(a) Veteran — any person who: (1) rendered military service in the land, sea or air forces of the Philippines during the revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, and World War II, including Filipino citizens who served with the Allied Forces in Philippine territory; (2) was a member of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces sent to the Korean War and the Philippine Civic Action Group sent to the Vietnam War; (3) rendered military service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and has been honorably discharged or retired after at least twenty (20) years total cumulative active service or sooner separated while in the active service in the AFP due to death or disability arising from a wound or injury received or sickness or disease incurred in line of duty."
SECTION 2. Coverage of Persons in Military Service. — This Act shall apply to those persons who are going to enter the military service after its effectivity.
SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — For purposes of the administration of veterans benefits provided for in Republic Act No. 6948, as amended by Republic Act No. 7696, the Department of National Defense shall issue the implementing rules and regulations.
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, regulations, orders, circulars and memoranda inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 5. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved: March 18, 2007