Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government agencies to expedite the release of benefits and assistance to families of soldiers and police officers who have been killed or wounded in the line of duty.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the importance of speeding up the process during a gathering at the Tejeros Hall at Camp Aguinaldo, which was part of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration. The event saw the attendance of families of fallen members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP), established in 2020, is designed to provide support such as shelter, health and medical care, education, employment, and other social welfare assistance to the dependents of uniformed personnel killed or wounded during legitimate operations since July 2016. Marcos acknowledged existing delays in releasing these benefits, which he attributed to documentary requirements and procedural issues, and stressed the need for a faster and more efficient process.

Marcos expressed that there is a significant amount of work to be done to ensure that the families of the deceased receive the benefits they are entitled to. He urged the involved agencies to simplify the process to ensure that eligible families receive their benefits without unnecessary delays.

The President's directive calls for the streamlining of procedures to guarantee that families who qualify for assistance under the CSBP receive their entitlements promptly, thereby honoring the sacrifices of their loved ones who served in uniform.