The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office in Region 6 yesterday denied the claims of some World War 2 veterans in Negros Occidental that the reason for the delayed release of their pensions and other benefits was lack of budget.

PVAO Region 6 Director Janet Paderan told the DAILY STAR that their office has the budget for the veterans’ pensions and there could be other reasons for the delays.

Paderan said World War 2 veterans who have not received their pensions yet may have failed to show proof of identity, or have no military service records.

As to the wives of WWII veterans claiming pensions for their deceased husbands, she said, they must also show documents required by PVAO for them to be qualified as beneficiaries, otherwise, PVAO will not release their pensions.

On Saturday, some WW2 veteran beneficiaries told the media in a press conference at the Negros Press Club building that their mothers have been processing the release of the pensions of their deceased fathers.

They said their mothers have already passed away and they, as children of the WW2 veterans, are processing the claims on their behalf. However, Paderan said, there is no law allowing children of veterans to become their official beneficiaries in lieu of their mothers.

Paderan urged the veterans and their beneficiaries in Negros Occidental to direct their concerns to the PVAO office in Bacolod so they will be addressed accordingly.

Veterans and their beneficiaries who have questions about their pension may also call the PVAO Regional office hotline number (033)-300-1251.*APN

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